ICSouthLondon.co.uk

Carol Grimes Mother - Irregular

icsouthlondon.co.uk - 14 April 2005

Carol Grimes is a British blues singer with real heritage (having recorded since 1971), who at turns can remind the listener of Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, Doris Day or Janis Joplin.

Here, she interprets songs by a remarkable selection of writers: Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Sandy Denny, John Lennon, Randy Newman, Shane McGowan and Ron Sexsmith.

To her credit, she makes each her own, living inside the songs rather than simply giving a reading.

If only everyone who has bought a Katie Melua or Madeleine Peyroux album could listen to the character that is supposed to be present in jazz and acoustic folk songs.

The choice of edgy, humorous material works perfectly, and each song is deftly arranged.

The album equivalent of a glass of good red on a Sunday afternoon.

Rating 8/10