You are hereAlbum Review: Anthea Neads - Jars of Clay (Rowan Leaf)
Album Review: Anthea Neads - Jars of Clay (Rowan Leaf)
The debut album from Anthea Neads features ten songs, some of which replace songs originally planned for the album two years ago, discarded in favour of newer and more appropriate material. Evocative, contemplative and reflective, the songs follow a personal journey of self discovery, presented in a manner that is at once easy on the ear and conducive to the senses. Accompanying herself on both guitar and piano, the Guildford-born singer-songwriter presents a passionate and cohesive selection of songs that are often thoughtful, sometimes ethereal but always honest.
Stylistically eclectic, the arrangements range from the folksy pop of the opener Bright New Dawn to the swirling carnival ride of Roundabouts, the gospel-tinged title song Jars of Clay to the bluesy Simple Pleasures, but each one maintaining Anthea's gentle vocal throughout. The delightful My Golden Bay provides the highpoint of the album, a personal song with a universal theme of love and loss. We all have our own golden bay somewhere.
Joined by Andrew Prince on bass (who also co-produces), Gethin Webster on violin, Al Heslop on guitar and Phil Daniels and Jim Lacey sharing percussion duties, Anthea Neads presents a touching personal diary from which we are invited to read, without feeling too intrusive. A delightful debut.
Allan Wilkinson
Northern Sky
Visit Anthea's website for more details:
http://www.antheaneads.com/Anthea_Neads/Home.html
