Album Review - Navaro - Under Diamond Skies

Navaro - Under Diamond Skies (Halo)

Although the trio take their name form the surname of their main singer Beth Navaro, they are very much a three card trick and along with songwriters Pete White and Steve Austin, 'Under Diamond Skies' brings together each of these disparate voices to produce a British country based album of some considerable merit. Whilst the emphasis is on the combination of three distinctly different voices, this collective manages to unite in harmony whilst maintaining their respective individual identity. Beth's warm breezy vocal spars perfectly well with Pete's instantly recognisable if somewhat edgy voice, whilst Steve provides a more conventional country roots delivery along the lines of Willie Nelson, with convincing sincerity.

Pete White's "When You Go From My Door" sets Beth's voice against a backdrop of creative harmonies and a steadily building power ballad arrangement, giving a clear indication of where White wants his anthemic songwriting to go. You imagine the band had little difficulty choosing an opener for this, their first collaborative effort. Besides being an excellent song writer, Pete has a very distinctive voice which compliments the more conventional country roots of Steve Austin and Beth Navaro. This somehow sets this collection of songs apart from the ordinary and once again proves that an unusual voice often becomes essential listening once acquired by your cautious taste.

This collection of songs provides a difficult choice for those responsible for coming up with the first single as the more accessible or 'catchy' titles are so much in abundance. "Always" is instantly radio friendly with an inspired choice of arrangement that includes the employment of a brass band section, reminiscent of early Richard and Linda Thompson arrangements.

The thoroughly gorgeous "Moonrise" gives more than a slight indication of Navaro's command over sensitive ballad singing. With an unobtrusive arrangement of acoustic guitar, keyboards, bass and atmospheric percussion, not to mention the mood-setting rain sample, attention remains solely on Beth's breathy voice, enhanced by some considerate harmonies set well back in the mix.

Towards the end of the album "Like the Rain" and the soulful "Blackbird" leave you wanting to hear more of Navaro, both as a trio and in its individual component parts.

Buy from Amazon:

	Navaro Under Diamond Skies Halo UK 2008-11-03 £10.99