Kirsty McGee and the Hobopop Collective - No. 5
by Lisa Torem
published: 30 / 3 / 2010
Label:
Hobopop
Format: CD
intro
Strikingly heartfelt fifth album from jazz-influenced Manchester-based singer-songwriter Kirsty McGee, recorded live with her band, the Hobopop Collective
Manchester-based Kirsty McGee and the Hobopop Collective; James Steel, Christopher Cundy and Clive Mellor recorded ‘No. 5: A Live Album’ exactly the way it sounded on the 10th October 2009. The nine songs reflect Kirsty’s versatile vocal range and, what seems to be, her proclivity for swing and strikingly heartfelt ballads. The fact that it was recorded live actually adds to the recording. The band seems to derive energy from the audience, and though I’m not sure if they followed a pre-arranged set list, the diverse range of repertoire is impressive. ‘Omaha’ reads like an American short story. “She was born on the farm in 1957/She hung out with the freaks/Danced around the flames/She found the love of her life in a broken down car.” Lyrics like these stick-to-your ribs and provide the framework for the subsequent tunes. ‘Alibi Blues’ is an uber-fast swing/blues and sets off with great vigour, like a derby race horse. Strains of a Klezmer clarinet weave through the vocals. Kirsty’s beautiful voice is understated, but skilled at articulating genre-specific nuance. ‘Last Orders’ takes on a more sombre eloquence heralding a mournful, weeping underbelly. “Take the bullets from the sheath till the orders come/Wash your face before your hands.” ‘The Last to Understand’ has a simple, country sweetness and haunting lyrics: “You can charge for hailstorms/You can charge for rain/For the life we’re given/Nobody has to pay.” ‘Bliss’ is a show-stopper in which romantic love meets spirituality. “If bliss was a place it would be in your arms/The light on our faces from the fire/The blistering heat of a lovers embrace can bring tears to the eyes/Leave you devastated." McGee’s voice achieves a transcendental quality; like that of jazz great, Morgana King. ‘Stonefruit’ has a dynamic bass line which recalls Peggy Lee’s popular ‘Fever’ and is soulfully satisfying, while ‘Dust Devils’ is an extraordinarily sultry and well-crafted jazz tune with clever, memorable lyrics: “I’ve got you under my nails/Everything I do seems to fail/I’ve got you inside my shoes/As thick as blue suede.” Underlying those images is a stirring bolero rhythm. Mc Gee has a lovely voice and the intelligence to know exactly how to use it. Her instrumentalists are all top notch as well. I’m not sure what type of recording will follow, but 'No. 5' has all the makings of a masterpiece.
Track Listing:-
1 Omaha2 Alibi Blues
3 Last Orders
4 Sandman
5 Bliss
6 The Last to Understand
7 Stonefruit
8 Dust Devils
9 Faith
most viewed articles
current edition
Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies - Sala Apolo, Barcelona, 29/11/2023 and La Paqui, Madrid, 30/11/2023Anthony Phillips - Interview
Difford and Tilbrook - Difford and Tilbrook
Rain Parade - Interview
Oldfield Youth Club - Interview
Autumn 1904 - Interview
Shaw's Trailer Park - Interview
Cafe No. 9, Sheffield and Grass Roots Venues - Comment
Chris Hludzik - Vinyl Stories
Pete Berwick - ‘Too Wild to Tame’: The story of the Boyzz:
most viewed reviews
current edition
Serious Sam Barrett - A Drop of the Morning DewMarika Hackman - Big Sigh
Rod Stewart and Jools Holland - Swing Fever
Loves - True Love: The Most of The Loves
Ian M Bailey - We Live in Strange Times
Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run
Autumn 1904 - Tales of Innocence
Roberta Flack - Lost Takes
Banter - Heroes
Posey Hill - No Clear Place to Fall
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart