Music
Press
"I met Sue Pyper at the Vancouver Island Music Fest. During the weekend at least a half dozen Canadian performers who were working the festival said to me, "You must meet Sue Pyper -- you will love her!" and they were right.”
“This year she recorded "Before You Learn To Fly", her very first album. It's a beautiful mix of covers and originals -- some of the artists she covers are Nanci Griffith, John Prine, and Mary-Chapin Carpenter, so you know she has fine taste. Her originals have that 'timeless' feel of the best contemporary folk. Long time fans of folk music will recognize her as a wonderful new discovery.”
Christine Lavin - Christine Lavin
“Sure, Sue Pyper does some mean covers, including Nanci Griffith’s “Five and Dime” and Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “This Shirt” on her debut release. These and other works by her neighbors Gordon Carter and Joanna Finch are engaging and solid, but it’s with her own four creations on “Before You Learn To Fly” that she really takes off.
“I Can’t go Back” is an award-winning song about finding the place where you belong, both internally and geographically. And it is far from the only good cut on the album. With her four originals she establishes an ability to form a catchy chorus, and deliver personable story lines with pleasing vocals of strength.
My favourite is the title cut, offering caring encouragement, reinforced musically by the grounding support of Kathy Stacey’s cello. “Highland Clearance” is about Pyper’s homeland, where life necessitates forced relocation. Pennywhistle (Sam Lennox) and Pyper’s chorus create wee aches even for those who were never near the Scottish border.
All the musicians are from Vancouver Island, most from the small ex-mining town of Cumberland, and most with day jobs. The truly local involvement in no way sounds amateur. Featured on bass and harmony throughout is Tammy Fassaert. Robin Sutmoller on violin could, but hasn’t, quit his day job as a doctor. The production guidance of Chilean producer and guitarist Rodrigo Figueroa keeps Pyper’s delivery strong, simple, clear, and clean. She has a good ear for covers and will, no doubt, provide us with further quality originals."
Angela Page - Sing Out Magazine USA - Sing Out Magazine
Country Music Broadcasting (Australia)
"Throughout the history of music, and often from a variety of genres, there comes singer/songwriters whose life and compassion for others has helped change this world for the better. From John Lennon in the early 70's (Imagine) to Tracy Chapman (Behind The Wall etc.) in the late 80's and country artists such as Reba McEntire, Steve Earle, Martina McBride amongst others. Sue Pyper falls into this category, and "Chasing Tail Lights In The Rain" is yet another example of her very real and genuine concern for others... you come away feeling the sincerity that this respected singer/songwriter offers us all." - CMB Music Braodcasting (Australia_
"I was enormously impressed by her first CD, which I received in 2002. I used four songs from it in one program (the maximum permitted under WFUV's streaming regulations) then played "I can't go back anymore" on my December program devoted to what I considered to the 10 best new songs/singers of the year. I find her work - both as a songwriter and an interpreter to on a consistently high level - i await future releases with great anticipation:
Bob Sherman, WFUV New York, NY - WFUV New York, NY
Discography
Before You Learn To Fly 2003
Tail Lights In The Rain 2009
Photos
Bio
Sue Pyper is a London born singer/songwriter who immigrated to BC in 2000, where she has charmed audiences with her sweet vocals, eloquent songwriting, and unpredictable British humour. When Pyper’s first recording “Before You Learn to Fly” hit the airwaves in 2002, she received international attention including accolades from folk music notables such as New York Radio Host, Bob Sherman, performer Christine Lavin, and Sing Out Magazine - each of whom considered her a wonderful new discovery. The album received nominations in five categories in the Mpower Independent Music Awards and the title track won “Best Song” in 2003.
As an entertainer, Sue’s natural ability to put audiences at ease makes her a fun and personable stage host allowing her to share her music in a way that is especially memorable. It’s not uncommon for folks to be able to recall the first time they heard her perform, and to offer their own accounts of their musical discovery. This grass roots sharing explains the popularity of her music and why she has fans from all over the world. She also performs with female trio Voices Three, who regularly perform to sold out houses, adding a sweet melodic voice and unpredictable humour to the mix.
"Her originals have that 'timeless' feel of the best contemporary folk. Long time fans of folk music will recognize her as a wonderful new discovery.”
Christine Lavin
Links
