Search - Rosie Thomas :: When We Were Small

Exceptional

07/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sitting in my car a couple of weeks ago, I happened to hear Rosie Thomas in an interview on the World Cafe radio show and heard her play one tune. I was struck by the exceptional expressiveness and controlled nuamce of her voice. On the strength of that listening, I decided to order her CD although I very rarely purchase a CD: maybe once or twice a year. (I listened to a short clip first, just to be sure I had identified it correctly) I was not disappointed. Her work is truly exceptional. Her musicality, depth of feeling, and authenticity place her among the ranks of the absolute best of female vocalists. As with many of the finest artists, she is a complete original coming from within the boundaries of traditional style.If you have come this far, you probably already are inclined to buy the CD. I suggest that you follow your impulse: you will not regret it."

A Haunting, Original Work

Brian D. Rubendall | Oakton, VA | 03/03/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Rosie Thomas's "When We Were Small" is as intimate an album as you're ever likely to hear. The individual songs are punctuated by bits of recordings of Rosie and her family from when she was a child. Just to empahsize the point further, the CD booklet contains family snapshots and a dedication to her parents. The music itself is spare and minimalist, with Thomas often backed by only an accoustic guitar or piano. Nevertheless the stories have power, concentrating as they do on themes of love, loss, heartache and divorce. Thomas's voice is amazingly sharp and the album's clean production serves her well. The highlights include "2 Dollar Shoes," "Farewell," "Wedding Day" and the closing "Bicycle Tricycle," which evokes childhood memories as well as any rock song ever has.Overall, a stunningly personal recording that never once lapses into sentimentality."

Where has she been all our lives?

Brian D. Rubendall | 01/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many reviews have well described the cd's unique and beautifully simple compositions. By not venturing into heavily multi-layering the tracks from a production angle, the listener is transported easily into Rosie's melodically happy, sad and fragile world.Having seen her perform this solid package of compositions when she opened for Richie Havens last April, I was instantly hooked like many of you by her sweet & haunting voice. It's a kick to listen to some of her life's experiences between songs with that cartoony voice of hers. ..but when she starts to sing she takes on an angel-like softness and clearity that hasn't been heard in the music biz for decades. Immaculately produced by Martin Feveyear & Eric Fisher. I look forward to her next cd and hope it's here soon.Congrats to Rosie on her recent 35 city European tour (opened for Bryan Ferry!)"