Reviews
Artist:Eve Selis
Album:Angels And Eagles
Label:Self Released
Tracks:14
Website:http://www.eveselis.com
Eve Selis has followed up 2005’s stunning Nothing But the Truth with another striking collection called Angels and Eagles, which shows the five time San Diego music award winner returning completely on form after giving birth to baby Henry at the age of 42!
Selis and Marc Intravaia, writing and performing partners for 17 years, co-wrote 10 of the 14 tracks, several with long time friend and collaborator Kim McLean. Backed by the ever talented Eve Selis band, Eve’s ‘lemonade and whiskey’ voice takes the listener on a range of musical journeys through human emotions.
The title track was written by Kim McLean and is a stirring tribute to parents wanting to let their children fly on their own and find their own place in the world.
Marc, Eve and Kim sat down to write Street That I Grew Up On, they were pleasantly surprised to find out that even though they all grew up in different parts of the country they all have very similar childhood memories that have remained with them through the years. I suspect as we listen we will find that wherever we grew up we all share something in common with lyrics of this upbeat song.
That's Enough was co-written with Doug Crider (also known as Suzy Bogguss’ husband!) as a way to articulate their frustrations after entering the war in Iraq. It tries to focus on the simple events in life that fill up our hearts and make us feel good if we take the time to notice and appreciate them.
Better Days demonstrates hope that a rocky relationship can be salvaged if the way can be found back to ‘better days.’
All three writers have songs on the CD relating in some way to their children; Touching The Eiffel Tower is an unusual addition which was co-written with McLean, inspired by her son Will waking up from a dream shouting "I'm touching the Eiffel Tower." The Gift was inspired by Marc’s son Sam and 1000 Kisses by all the kisses Eve gives to her son Henry on a daily basis! In fact you can hear the smile in her voice as she sings this song.
Welcome to Paradise came about after a moment in life when Eve's dear friend Mattie (Mills) was close to dying from chemotherapy. Kim has said that we shouldn’t mind the beginning, as sometimes a song has to start sad to get it to that ultimate happy place.
A personal favourite, One Day At A Time, again co-written with McLean, focuses on what Eve states is the obvious truth that seems to elude all of us. The lyrics say it all, "The only true perfection is to try and try again." It serves as a reminder that we should take each day as it comes and take the good with the bad as that is what life is about.
I Believe in Love lets Eve’s trademark sound shine through as does the hopeful Cryin’ Days, with stunning guitar work, which calls for us to “Let there be no more cryin’ days.”
Goodbye, written by acclaimed songwriter Patty Griffin, is an achingly beautiful song which reminds us that Eve can also reduce us to tears. Looking back on the day someone close passed away and finally finding a special way to say that difficult goodbye, is surely something we all can, or will one day, relate to. Eve leaves us in no doubt that she has been through it herself, such is the emotion in her voice. This surely fill us with hope that if she can get through such a loss and find a way, so can we.
Turning her hand, or should I say voice, to a blues and gospel sound, Eve proves there is no end to her talents as she belts out a stunning version of the Gram Parsons song, She, a song which has been in her live set for a good while now.
Suffice it to say that this is a wonderful album, well worth the wait. There is no question that musically, Eve grows with every release. I'm sure I am not alone in hoping that it won’t be as long until the next! In the meanwhile Angels and Eagles is further testament to what many already know; that, as Gram Parsons himself wrote; “That girl could sing, oh yeah, She sure could sing.”
NB: Eve Selis and Marc ‘Twang’ Intravaia are touring the UK again this summer. Details at www.eveselis.com of a venue near you!
Helen Mitchell