Label: Park Records

Producer:Tony Poole

Release Date: 2003

©2003 Park West Music

Rose Kemp’s debut CD came to the attention of IOM staff via a recommendation by Sir Mick Clack (co-thatcher of Rooftop Studios) who spoke very highly of Rose in the light of her ability as a songwriter, composer, vocalist, and as a wonderful human being. Rose’s mother, Maddy Prior, was a very big part of the expansion in the musical horizon of my teenage years that has since been filled with a vast collective of what drives me to pursue the future dreams that I have for my involvement in music and it’s every avenue. With those reasons, I was very intrigued to find out just exactly what Rose was like, and what she took from her surroundings while growing up in a world of 'multitude music' and spiralling musical influences that were obviously blessings in her life.

Falls is the first offering of this album. It is the first melodically sound example of the versatility in Rose’s focused vocal range. That, coupled with a songwriting style that is both abstract and straightforwardly pleasant, makes for a wonderful warm-up to the invisible yet magical roll of sheet music that lies ahead. Glance is the title track of the album. With a vocal that reminisces Tasmin Archer, Joan Osborne, Fiona Apple and the female vocalist that appeared on Pink Floyd’s Great gig in the sky, Rose takes a flying leap into my subconscious to dance a dance of passion that keeps my soul held in captivity. Captive by the frustration of longing for an obsession lost, these lyrics cry out and pierce things that need piercing.

Note on the Fridge is Sherriff Blue Grass meets Mr. Blues for a drink at the Old Time Country Saloon - down south kind of melody. The “take that” kick-in-the-ass style of lyrics emphasize the solidity of Rose’s persona in action. Then.. No-one presents its listener with the smooth caress of the Jazz feel that began to enrapture the hearts of lovers years ago. Rose’s sensual vocals could speak for any star-gazing lovesick maniac who can only sit on a balcony and stare at the sky while searching for the right thing to say to the person who consumes their entire being at that point in time’s ever fragile frame.

Hush Me’s up beat tempo could wake someone from the drab constraints of a gloomy Monday afternoon to show them that there is in fact sunshine behind the clouds that are strewn across the sky. I can imagine a live performance where Rose is tightly gripping the microphone on its stand.. flinging her head from side to side while her feet are in a frenzied display of magical mayhem. Then just as the dancing winds down, we have Individual a track that is truly a magnificent metaphor for all of the ugliness that plagues the superficial society that everyone is privied to while trying to find their way in this world that we adjust to. It is a truly special individual, who can invoke someone’s past feelings of angst, and turn them into ash for those few but meaningful moments.

The track Sunsets is a 'beautifically peaceful' statement of feeling that showcases the softer more supple style of Rose’s vast plethora of vocal capabilities. Boy Coloured Girl! Wow what an amazingly beautifully crafted piece of sheer genius! Throughout the presiding songs of this album, one can only assume that they have heard every level of vocal range that can be achieved by Rose’s mouth-chords. Just when you thought that the track couldn’t get any more angelic….Wham! - At that point when you realize you were wrong she makes you want to cry.

Smile is a song in which people should want to abide by every day. A song that speaks a universal language of the love that should be spread, the kindness that we should regard each other with, and the truth about what would make this earth a place of desirable unilateral utopia. I Won’t Run is a convectively sung mixture of eclectic deluge. Having mixtures of twang, folk, easy listening, and maybe a slight dash of what I refer to as the sound sequins would make when the light of a disco ball is shone upon them.

Conscience - This is the part where, if this were a live performance, I can imagine Rose sitting down on the stage floor campfire style with her acoustic nestled under her arm singing her song to the audience. Then the clicking of thousands of lighters begin to light up the entire venue to unveil the once-shadowed audience with their arms held up high swaying back and fourth. His Music is the last track of the album. It’s only considered closure when the end can be accepted as inevitability… but what if it is something that can not be accepted? I guess that must obligate Rose to make another album so that those of us who have enjoyed this album can live in our little dream world of denial and pretend that the CD has just been paused for the time being.

Listening to Glance has been an immense pleasure that will most certainly cast some nice light over my ever expanding collection of brilliant music. Rose is a very accomplished artist. She has a very straightforward attitude toward her songwriting and her style as well as having a very rare address book crammed with incredible musicians and co-workers that empathise 1000% with what she wants to do with her voice and her amazing songwriting ability.

Rose Kemp, Ladies and Gentlemen, a true blessing for the ears.. and the heart!

 

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