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ESTHER O'CONNOR Right Here (2006)
Esther O'Connor
The biggest single surprise here is that Esther is Scottish. Listening to what turns out to be her third album before I had done any research, I was convinced this was from across the pond. It's convincing and in the vein of an offering from Jewel or Sheryl Crow.
Actually she's been around since 2000, having signed a major deal with EMI, although her major success has been north of the border and at festivals (T in the Park, V festival).
But after a failure to hit pay dirt, she released an independently produced album in 2003 that received some rave reviews and comparisons to Stevie Nicks.
'Right Here' sees her keeping on the right track with a varied album that covers all the bases from pop to country to rock and folk.
It's an excellent effort that reminds of Sheryl Crow's debut album in its diversity. With her sweet vocals, excellent songs and delivery it can only be a matter of time before success comes knocking.
****
Review by Pete Whalley - Get Ready to rock Magazine
ESTHER O'CONNOR Right Here (2006)
Esther O'Connor
The biggest single surprise here is that Esther is Scottish. Listening to what turns out to be her third album before I had done any research, I was convinced this was from across the pond. It's convincing and in the vein of an offering from Jewel or Sheryl Crow.
Actually she's been around since 2000, having signed a major deal with EMI, although her major success has been north of the border and at festivals (T in the Park, V festival).
But after a failure to hit pay dirt, she released an independently produced album in 2003 that received some rave reviews and comparisons to Stevie Nicks.
'Right Here' sees her keeping on the right track with a varied album that covers all the bases from pop to country to rock and folk.
It's an excellent effort that reminds of Sheryl Crow's debut album in its diversity. With her sweet vocals, excellent songs and delivery it can only be a matter of time before success comes knocking.
****
Review by Pete Whalley - Get Ready to rock Magazine
Latest Reviews
Esther O Connor Gig on Thursday 2nd November 2006
Posted Thursday 16th November 2006 10:05 pm
Esther O Connor Gig on Thursday 2nd November 2006
Glaswegian singer/songwriter Esther O’Connor has been a much-lauded talent of the Scottish music for the last six years. During that time she and her backing band have earned themselves a recording contract with Chrysalis Music and a host of positive reviews. They make a very welcome mid-evening act at this Thursday’s Pollen 8. Esther is a charming front-woman – a petite but striking strawberry-blonde whose hippyish dress sense compliments her breezy music. Kicking off with her acclaimed single ‘Yesterdays too late’, Esther has her audience captivated, not just with her looks and her silky voice, but with the sincerity and passion of her delivery.
The music has a warm rounded tone which makes for appealing listening on an autumn evening. There is a bluesy vibe similar to Sheryl Crow, but with a twist of something sweeter like the dreamy pop of ‘Sixpence none the Richer’. The songs are smooth and catchy – what I would describe as ‘radio-friendly’ as they are both relaxing and absorbing. The lyrics tend to be very whimsical and romantic, sometimes bordering on saccharine, but always suited to the mellow moods of the instrumentals. In the choruses, Esther’s feathery vocals are given an added richness with harmonies from her two male backing singers.
Their set is going ever so smoothly until an ear-piercing squeal from the speakers brings the show screeching to a halt. The half-deafened band copes with this disturbance in a light-hearted fashion. Esther (bless her) asks everyone in the crowd if they are alright. When we have all laughed off the ear-assault, the band strike up with sassy number called ‘Saturday man’. Following the jarring interruption, the band\'s last few songs nicely wrap a ribbon around a very pleasing set.
- Pollen 8 review Kelly Cowboy
Latest Reviews
Esther O Connor Gig on Thursday 2nd November 2006
Posted Thursday 16th November 2006 10:05 pm
Esther O Connor Gig on Thursday 2nd November 2006
Glaswegian singer/songwriter Esther O’Connor has been a much-lauded talent of the Scottish music for the last six years. During that time she and her backing band have earned themselves a recording contract with Chrysalis Music and a host of positive reviews. They make a very welcome mid-evening act at this Thursday’s Pollen 8. Esther is a charming front-woman – a petite but striking strawberry-blonde whose hippyish dress sense compliments her breezy music. Kicking off with her acclaimed single ‘Yesterdays too late’, Esther has her audience captivated, not just with her looks and her silky voice, but with the sincerity and passion of her delivery.
The music has a warm rounded tone which makes for appealing listening on an autumn evening. There is a bluesy vibe similar to Sheryl Crow, but with a twist of something sweeter like the dreamy pop of ‘Sixpence none the Richer’. The songs are smooth and catchy – what I would describe as ‘radio-friendly’ as they are both relaxing and absorbing. The lyrics tend to be very whimsical and romantic, sometimes bordering on saccharine, but always suited to the mellow moods of the instrumentals. In the choruses, Esther’s feathery vocals are given an added richness with harmonies from her two male backing singers.
Their set is going ever so smoothly until an ear-piercing squeal from the speakers brings the show screeching to a halt. The half-deafened band copes with this disturbance in a light-hearted fashion. Esther (bless her) asks everyone in the crowd if they are alright. When we have all laughed off the ear-assault, the band strike up with sassy number called ‘Saturday man’. Following the jarring interruption, the band\'s last few songs nicely wrap a ribbon around a very pleasing set.
- Pollen 8 review Kelly Cowboy
STYLE: Pop
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 9343-9049
DISTRIBUTION: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
This is an intelligent acoustic guitar-driven pop album packed with beautiful rich songs delivered with a voice that wraps purity and passion into one single gobsmacking entity. Having gone down the mainstream path and been courted and developed by Chrysalis Records, Esther Duffin delivers an independently produced solo debut. From the whimsical drifting “Driftwood And Dreams” to the driving groove and catchy hooks of “Move On” and “Bring It On”, Esther has a knack for memorable melodies and a poetic turn of phrase that places her alongside any of the latest crop of female guitar toting songwriters currently emerging. Personally I love the emotion of “What’s A Girl To Do?” and the pure vibe of the closing “Sailing Solar Wind”. It has to be mentioned that Esther is the daughter of original Wet Wet Wet member Graeme Duffin who adds his musical skills to the project. With faith underpinning the songs rather than hitting you full in the face, ‘The Place Where We Are’ is an album that is a real grower as its intrinsic beauty becomes more apparent with each play - Crossrythms magazine
STYLE: Pop
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 9343-9049
DISTRIBUTION: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
This is an intelligent acoustic guitar-driven pop album packed with beautiful rich songs delivered with a voice that wraps purity and passion into one single gobsmacking entity. Having gone down the mainstream path and been courted and developed by Chrysalis Records, Esther Duffin delivers an independently produced solo debut. From the whimsical drifting “Driftwood And Dreams” to the driving groove and catchy hooks of “Move On” and “Bring It On”, Esther has a knack for memorable melodies and a poetic turn of phrase that places her alongside any of the latest crop of female guitar toting songwriters currently emerging. Personally I love the emotion of “What’s A Girl To Do?” and the pure vibe of the closing “Sailing Solar Wind”. It has to be mentioned that Esther is the daughter of original Wet Wet Wet member Graeme Duffin who adds his musical skills to the project. With faith underpinning the songs rather than hitting you full in the face, ‘The Place Where We Are’ is an album that is a real grower as its intrinsic beauty becomes more apparent with each play - Crossrythms magazine
Discography
'Yesterdays too late' Releases in Scotland and AA listed on all Scotish radio stations. (EMI) (2000)
The Place Where We Are. Independant album released on One records. (2002)
The Place where we Are. Re issued on 'O'C Records', (Esther's own label). Fragile state the first single has been played regularly on Radio Scotland, is picking up playlists right accross the U.K. She is also recieving airplay in the U.S, Australaia, Canada and accross Europe.
'Right Here' Esther's lates album is due for release March 2007.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Esther began her musical career in 2000 when she signed a major publishing deal with BMG. Shortly followed by a recording contract with EMI Chrysalis. Her first album was recorded at Sarm West and Townhouse studios in London.
Her single release in Scotland received immediate play listings and rave reviews on all the major Scottish radio Stations. (AA listed on Clyde) as well as being played in the notorious ‘Queen Vic’ in Eastenders. She has performed at major live venues right across the U.K (T in the park 3 years in a row), V festivals, and a support at the Clyde Auditorium. Esther has also played live on major radio stations (Radio Scotland, Beat 106 and Clyde 1)
Releasing an independently produced album in 2003 to reviews that described the album as one ‘which its inherent beauty grows more apparent with every play’. Since then she has performed and worked with Dougie MacLean (Caledonia, and one of the writers for ‘The last of the Mohicans’ sound track.) JJ Gilmour (formally of the silencers), Graeme Duffin, (Wet, Wet, Wet guitarist), Carol Kidd (acclaimed Jazz singer) and Paul Leonard Morgan (string arranger for Bell and Sebastian and many film and TV productions).
Currently working with a high-energy band of accomplished musicians, she is regularly gigging around the UK. Exciting new album, Right Here, is scheduled for release early 2007.
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