Kim Erickson
Album: The Raven's Wing
Label: Route 61
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.bumperjacksons.com

They say you can't judge a book by its cover. If you can judge a CD by the care that has been taken over the presentation then Kim Erickson deserves 5 stars. This is a slick, professionally presented offering, with beautiful, watercolour style artwork. The attention to detail extends to the informative CD booklet, including all of Kim's original lyrics.

Fortunately, this is much more than skin deep. The quality of recording and balance of instruments is excellent, presenting the highly creative and often intricate arrangements perfectly. As an instrumentalist, I was really drawn to these arrangements, almost more than I was to Kim's thoughtful and heartfelt lyrics. The arrangement of traditional lyrics on 10,000 miles has a touch of Michael Nyman to the piano writing which is complimented by some sensitive string writing and the mandocello coming through in the background. The piano introduction to Dark is the Raven's Wing, in reminiscent of classical crossover pianist Ludovico Einaudi, the pulsing quality giving a sense of urgency that really suits the dark lyrics. This is possibly my favourite track on the album.

The use of guitar instead of piano on both Woman of Valour and Come All You Fair Ones provides some variety to the ear on an otherwise piano driven album. The quality of Kim's piano playing means that is in no way a criticism.

I will confess that the vocal style is not entirely to my taste but the quality of the overall product is excellent and I would still recommend this as a well-produced, beautifully arranged work that really showcases Kim's talents as a pianist, arranger and lyricist.

Nicky Grant