Sue
Quigley has the sort of voice that careers are built on: it is
strong, rich and distinctive and she uses it masterfully. At times
she'll hold a note until your breastbone resonates; at others,
she'll back off from the mic and draw you in to her private world
- absolutely captivating singing. Outside In is her debut
full-length CD and features eight songs that explore the emotional
life in oblique but heartfelt terms.
Personally
I found a lot of her metaphors and references didn't quite click
for me: "But you're saving something - for someone else/
Someone who'll run and not let you catch up/ Safe enough to be
where you left them." Perhaps the meaning teases itself out
eventually, perhaps it's just me and all this seems perfectly
direct to another listener. That quibble aside, however, there is
so much to enjoy and treasure on this album, moments in songs that
touch an emotional chord and make it quiver.
Produced
with admirable simplicity and clarity by Joe Reineke with Sue
Quigley, it's the guitar playing that shines almost as brightly as
that voice. Sue Quigley's own playing on acoustic guitar is very
atmospheric, whilst David Wall on electric guitar brings a
controlled intensity to his supporting role that adds a whole
extra palette of colour. With John Mills on bass and Roy Adler on
drums capable of building a huge backdrop of sound, this is music
that at its best you can lose yourself in. You may find yourself
completely drawn in, lost in a maelstrom of emotional intensity.
Very highly recommended.
(February
3, 2008)
