Jane Thomason
Album: September Road
Label: Longshore
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.jane-thomason.com/

This is Jane's debut album and a fine start it is. Jane, who is based in Bristol, has been writing music for years and has been classically trained on both piano and violin. She is also a very accomplished guitarist as is evidenced by this album.

I have lost count of the times that I have seen s singer compared to Joni Mitchell, but for once I would agree. Not on every track of course, but certainly in snippets of songs you can relate to Joni.

September Road is a very soulful album. Excellent lyrics delivered with a slightly ethereal voice that sometimes sounds to be in a state of real sadness. Jane draws you into her life and mood with some imaginative guitar playing. An instrument that she plays with great virtuosity and as a secondary percussion instrument at times. Unusual to say the least!

My favourite track on the album is the title track "September Road." The old saying goes that you save the best for last but to my mind Jane has turned this on its head as it is the second track. Very clever as it gets the listener involved from the first song immediately. Her voice especially in the lower range is slightly strained at times but that probably adds to the atmosphere.

The track "Anon" shows the full range of her guitar playing in a fairly upbeat song. "Red man in the sky is another cracking track." I am not sure if Jane has children but I cannot imagine that the song "Lullaby" will send them to sleep.

Overall this is a very well-produced and constructed album and a worthwhile addition to any collection. I hope Jane is not insulted by my inability to listen to the whole album in one go. I have listened to it in three and four track sessions as I find the lack of alternative backing a little bit samey. I suppose that is down to my lack of understanding about modern folk music. Sorry Jane! Having said that, I really like the album.

Jane has won a number of awards already and is shortly to undertake a nationwide tour. She is certainly one to watch for the future.

Rory Stanbridge