The Gail Page Band

By Michael Smith

It doesn't take too many minutes into this debut album from this Central Coast singer/songwriter to understand why Page picked up the Best New Talent and Best Female Vocalist gongs at this year's Australian Blues Music Chain Awards. She's got that rare, authentic vocal tone that reeks of the best American "old school" soul/blues/gospel singers. There's a definite Nina Simone kind of lilt, though Page's range is broader and her delivery more supple - soft and velvety one minute, dark and powerful when it needs to be and deeply imbued with the wear and tear of having lived: a real woman's voice.
Luckily, Page is well served by her songwriting muse and collaborator, Parris Macleod, who is also the album's producer. A set of songs are delivered that reference that old school soul/blues/gospel catalogue with a reverence and skilful understanding, which ensures that Page's lyrics are provided with a powerful yet natural and sincere setting allowing the urgent undercurrent to retain its edginess while the session players have room to stamp their own feel on the slick yet supple arrangements. With sidemen like guitarist Dave Longo, bass player Leon Gaer and drummer Gordon Rytmeister and guests like guitarist Mal Eastick, how could you go wrong?
Listening to this album has been like discovering a new Renee Geyer, another white Australian girl with an African-American musical soul. Let's hope Page is given the chance to reach Geyer's status; a big call at a time when Australia only seems to want the "original" American version if at all.
- Drum Media

"Ask us to describe her style and we falter a little. In a sense she defies description. Close your eyes and you’d swear you’re in New Orleans listening to one of the greats – Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin - then again, modern comparisons bring Toni Childs to mind – but wait, now she’s singing the most beautiful rendition of an Eva Cassidy song. A musical chameleon unlike any other. One of the most powerful voices we’ve heard in a long time, microphone seemingly a mere prop, we can’t even place her in a specific genre. Initially blues and jazz spring to mind, but some of the songs would more appropriately be categorized as alternative contemporary. Don’t label this performer because the minute you think you have it worked out, she’ll surprise you with something new.
Be prepared to be moved. Gail doesn’t just sing, she tells a story. And the stories are from the heart. They convey the emotions of a life’s journey, messages of hope and strength and the uncanny ability to touch something inside every person that hears them. We’re not saying you’ll be spilling tears all night, but certainly expect at least a goosebump or two. We haven’t yet met a person who hasn’t been affected by her music. It isn’t just the clarity and power of her voice, nor simply the genuine emotion behind the songs. As we stated earlier, we dare not put her into an existing category. One of a kind, unique, powerful, touching".
- R&V Publicists