Sophie Bancroft – Bird Of Paradise(Lisaleo Records)
Sophie Bancroft is a Scottish singer-songwriter with jazz and folk roots. Over the years she’s drawn comparison to several world-class artists, including Peggy Lee, Alison Krauss and Norah Jones. That sort of information comes as no great surprise once you’ve had the chance to hear Bancroft sing. Her voice is a perfect instrument, and when partnered by her own songs, the effect is both moving and incredibly life affirming.
“Bird Of Paradise” is her fifth album, and she’s accompanied by her husband (and double bassist) Tom Lyne, fiddler Amy Geddes and guitarist / percussionist Ross Mitson. Though very much a songwriter’s collection, it’s performed very much in a folk style. This is partly down to the purity of Bancroft’s voice, but also the unfussy arrangements and the subject matter of the songs, which involve themselves in the day-to-day lives of ordinary people. www.myspace.com/sophiebancroft
Sandra G.
