News - Updated 10/4/2006

EP review Jackie Barnett - Natural

SUGAR Daddy begins this collection of five songs. It is an observant tale of a woman who is only with her man because of his wealth.

Acoustic guitar picks its way through the song - accompanied by warm backing vocals and subtle, atmospheric keyboards. It has a gentle sense of humour and succeeds in making a social point at the same time.

It's the type of track that could easily be picked up by a country-loving radio stations and its slightly quirky nature lends it a memorable tone.

Similar sounds continue into the beautifully haunting melodies of Natural, with a few additional electronic effects bubbling up to the surface. It's a mature track with a timeless quality - the warm female vocals mix with acoustic guitars and keyboards into a formula that would be sure to please Fleetwood Mac fans.

It's easily the most professional sounding recording I've come across from an unsigned act, but it avoids the blandness and stale perfection that can come with that seemingly flattering description. The most impressive quality of the record is its restraint; the playing and melodies are kept effortlessly subtle. Harmonica, strong lead guitar and even snatches of movie dialogue appear, but no one sound steals the show.

Jackie Barnett and guitarist/co-songwriter Tony Ginger are unashamedly big fans of Bruce Springsteen. Their covers band, Tenth Avenue, takes its name from a track on The Boss's Born To Run album. Springsteen is mentioned in the final track Soul In Rock and Roll and even credited as inspiration in the inlay notes. So, in terms of Springsteen's work, where does this collection position itself? I would say it sits among the lighter country flavoured songs on the Human Touch and Lucky Town albums of the early 90s. However, to their credit such a strong influence is not allowed to distract from their own warmer vision.

Visit www.jackiebarnett.com for more information and to buy the EP.

CHRIS BOLAND HUNTS POST