Album review: Joanna Eden - Love Quiet

Joanna Eden (vocals, piano, various keyboards) + various instrumentalists, backing vocalists (see listings at foot of post).

I usually groan when confronted with yet another album by a singer/songwriter. Sometimes they can sing but can't write. Sometimes they can write but can't sing and sometimes they can do neither.

Fortunately, Joanna Eden doesn't fall into any of the above categories. Her voice can be full-on, wild and raucous (but not jarringly so) or soft and sensitive (but not sugary) according to the demands of the composition. She also plays effective piano that adds to the appeal.

Eight originals and two covers - one by Bonnie Raitt and one by Seals and Croft - make for a well-balanced programme. The choice of a song by Raitt is a good one and if I was to make a comparision I'd say Bonnie Raitt would be a good place to start. That's the area that Joanna leans toward.

It may not be an out and out jazz album although a good flute solo by Paul Booth on the title track does tilt the balance in our direction. Lance

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