Simple stories, enchanting harmonies and soft, acoustic music that is Westwind. Three friends, Sarah Dyson, Nick Storey and Chris Stowell, writing and singing together because they enjoy it. Their fresh-as-an-English-rose vocals allow no concessions to the mid-Atlantic accents favoured by many a British folk group. Similarly, there is no place here for the electric guitar of the folk-rock exponents. And in their songs you'll find only the faintest hint of protest.
The music of Westwind, then, is a simple delight. No clever effects, no huge orchestras - though arranger Michael Moores makes sparing, and subtle, use of strings and horns. Just three people singing their songs, and singing them superbly. Ironically, in view of their name, much of Westwind's singing has a becalming effect. And what better fate than to let your mind drift and enjoy the clear, soaring voice of Sarah cutting through the pretty love story "Harbour Lights" or "Sleepy City".
The material to be heard on this album is as much a testimony to the group's songwriting ability as to their singing. Most of the songs are fragile, wispy in construction - notably the beautiful "Robin Hill", my favourite of the 12, with its excellent guitar work and the ethereal vocal from Sarah. But there is also a fair representation of brisk up-tempo tracks like "Goodtimes", one of those familiar folk cris de joie, with skiffle influences, and the happy skipalong "Sun Across The Snow". They reveal their sense of humour on an up-dated tale of "Sweeney Todd - a bar-barous chap was he" - which even in includes reference to P.C. Dixon of Dock Green.
My first hearing of Westwind, in September of this year, came with the release of a delightful single, "Love Is A Funny Sort Of Thing". The contents of this album, played at times of stress, will soothe even the most troubled of brows. It has that kind of effect. And it is an album you will want to come back to again and again. Westwind are a very welcome addition to the ranks of British pop-folk groups. With the help of record buyers such as yourself, they should rightly become a permanent fixture.
by Peter Robinson, Music Business Weekly
Tracks
1. Goodbye Butterfly - 3:54
2. Sleepy City - 3:00
3. Love Ia A Funny Sort Of Thing - 3:00
4. Sun Across The Snow - 2:53
5. How Many Stars - 2:49
6. Robin Hill - 3:02
7. Goodtimes - 2:00
8. Fisherman's Song - 3:33
9. Sweeney Todd - 2:59
10.Rosemary - 4:26
11.Harbour Lights - 3:36
12.Home Is Where My Heart Is - 3:00
Words and Music by Chris Stowell, Nick Storey, Sarah Dyson
Westwind
*Chris Stowell - Vocals, Guitar
*Nick Storey - Vocals, Guitar
*Sarah Dyson - Vocals, Guitar
Thanks a lot, Marios.
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