Tally Koren
A Love Song For You
(TCK Production Ltd)
The album launch show for this new collection suited the cabaret venue Electric Carousel close to London’s Piccadilly, but though this artist makes music that is melodic and easy on the ear, she has a slightly quirky creative spark that makes the songs her own when it comes to her own compositions. The accompanists on these songs are strong but discreet, never drowning out the lyrics – vitally important here – and giving the listener a backdrop of crisp drumming, tuneful acoustic and electric basslines, sparkling acoustic guitar and deft piano work.
International traveller Koren’s days as a model give her an uncommon sense of poise in her attire and stage presence which carries though into her vocal delivery, which goes for the sensual and conversational rather than the howling torch style that some singers feel is their duty to include. Hence her take on Bacharach’s ‘The Look Of Love’ almost breathe into your ears..sounds like a bedroom hit to me. ‘What a Wonderful World’ is put over with a genuine aura of love which even granite-hearts such as your scribe can sense. A tender reading of Ewan McColl’s perennial folk love song First Time Ever I saw Your Face eschews melodrama for an almost confessional delivery.
As for her own songs…. well this is where her personal touch hits you. ‘Free Will’ is an insistent and pretty tune which sounds like a song from a French film soundtrack..Eric Rohmer perhaps? Certainly ‘lovers by the lake’ in mood.
The title track has a catchy guitar intro and subtle vocal and sets the tone for the album ; solemn piano takes us into the string section-enhanced reflective story of missing someone badly. ‘My River’ is a poem set to music, with a cool breeze flowing through it. ‘Floating’ is a loping flow of a song, softly intoned. Maybe the loveliest tune here. ‘Two Kisses’ again has a filmic vibe, soft-focus music with beautiful piano.
I won’t spoil the effect of the out-there arrangement of ‘You Are My Only One’, but there is a ballet theme you may recognise and was hugely entertaining in a live setting. Superb drumming on this cut. One Million Kisses takes a melodic cue from Mozart and goes for a romantic feel.
A thoughtful assemblage of love-themed songs, a tad more sad in feel in places than Tally’s upbeat social presence suggests. No shouting, no straining, comfortable keys and all in all crafted for subtle impact.
Pete Sargeant
Tally Koren’s new album ‘A Love Song For You’ is out now. For more information on Tally Koren visit her official website here: http://bit.ly/1WSX6Jj
(Thanks Cat and thanks Tally)
