Gigs | Album Reviews | Press
Review by Tony Benjamin, Venue Magazine August 2007
This crisp set of bitter-sweet songs marks a deserved step up in confidence by singer-songwriter Lorraine Ayensu on the back of her increasing national profile. The dozen tracks speak very personally (and poetically) of love won and lost and of moving on, the reflective and grounded lyrics making them less a torch than a lighthouse steering others through troubled seas. There's a light touch to the production that lets you hear how sweet and musical her voice is, while the arrangements make the most of her regular band's versatility. Mike Cosgrave's deftly folky accordion on the title track somehow manages to characterise the song, while the alto sax Norma Daykin adds a subtle emotional undercurrent to 'You're Gone'. But above all it's Lorraine's album and by the last track you feel you know her well and you're glad to make her acquaintance.
Review by Owen Dunn New Style Radio 98.7FM July 2007
They say everything precious on Earth is hard to find: oil, pearls, diamonds, gold.
Well, add Lorraine Ayensu to this list. I was first enchanted by 'The Truth is' her standout tune from the Freeness compilation 2005 (also on her album Remembering) Worshipping one track, I wondered if her other songs would ever cut the mustard? Her lastest album 'Last Conversation' re-affirms she has got the skills.
'Float Around' bounces nicely reflecting her African roots. The autobiographical 'Passing Time' refers to not knowing your parents, questioning if she was conceived through love or lust? (coming from a idyllic background, this made me stop & think).
But beneath the veneer lies venom. 'Hollow Reasons' is critical of political Institutions that continually under-develop Africa yet still offer help. This continent can help itself if only they change the rules of the game.
Ayensu possesses no searing vocals, no virtuosity from her band, yet she sings with which such a sincerity it is touching and the band still shine. (Mike Cosgrave's accordion is simply refreshing throughout)
These are honest songs of life, love & relationships. This album is one Jewel worth discovering.
Gigs
QEH Theatre, Bristol
"Musically the writing and arrangements draw on a whole host of influences,
including acoustic folk, funk, soul, African hi-life and jazz, with a
hint of Cajun when the bass man briefly switched to accordion (and the
wind synth played the bass part to great effect!).
Far from appearing dilettante-ish, all of these references were melded
into a cohesive sound, effectively realising Lorraine Ayensu’s musical
vision."
The Prom, Bristol
Intelligent lyrics and a good voice don't always make good music. Lorraine
Ayensu breaks the mould by achieving all three.
(Venue Magazine No 464 March 2000)
Louisiana, Bristol
I must be honest - I find it hard to listen to singer/songwriters for
very long. It often seems that they don't have the musical range to make
a varied performance set. There are exceptions, I know, and Lorraine
Ayensu is one of them. Lorraine playing guitar and singing work sin close
collaboration with Norma Daykin on Sax, and they have built up a solid
following, so it was no surprise to find the room packed when they took
to the stage at the Louisiana.
Page top
Album reviews
The Truth Is…
Rock and Reel
Sweet lorraine are a Bristol duo who manage to demonstrate the diversity
and often stylish imagination to be found within the current neo-acoustic
scene. Their debut EP, 'The Truth Is', possesses a fresh vitality, with
jazz and African stylings alongside neo-folk and the agit-rock of the
likes of the Au Pairs. An original and consistently surprising debut.
Debbie Golt – Women In Music Now
Subtle harmonies and heartfelt lyrics clothed with delicate references
to a wealth of cultural interconnections make this a pleasing album that
grows on you. Lorraine Ayensu's African/English descent reveals itself
in lyrics on place and heritage and especially the instrumentation and
rhythms on the powerful 'Fool Yourself' and 'Beautiful You'. New ways
to express sensuality, love and longing find poignant womanist expression,
carried by Lorraine's soulful voice. A debut to savour.
Venue Magazine
'The Truth Is' gives us six deeply personal songs that avoid over analytical
introspection (and that realise there's no substitute for a good tune)
Intelligent without being overprecious, sweet lorraine deliver the goods
in a refreshingly unselfconscious manner. And until the long-player emerges,
this does fine a statement of their musical vision.
Page top