THE LUCINDA BELLE ORCHESTRA My Voice & 45 Strings (2010 UK 12-track CD album - The Lucinda Belle Orchestra is the sum of one harp, a harmonium, the melodica, some strings, horns, an upright bass, drums, the ukulele, a clarinet, guitar...and one quite extraordinary songwriter and front-woman. Lucinda's musical life began aged six, when she was dragged kicking and screaming by her mother to classical recitals at the Royal Festival Hall. To everyone's surprise, Belle found herself falling for the harp, in all its 45-string-glory. Lucinda's debut album, 'My Voice & 45 Strings' was recorded in various locations including Nashville – where Lucinda once studied jazz - Los Angeles, London, Stockholm and Paris; with co-writes from the likes of Graham Lyle ['What's Love Got To Do With It?'] and Ed Harcourt. The title track kicks off proceedings, with its infectious polka beat, ragtime piano and self-affirming lyrics. 'Valentine', meanwhile, is a twinkling Parisian waltz, all shimmering strings and shuffling acoustics, recalling Nouvelle Vague at their most sultry. Throughout this often-mellow debut, Lucinda's songs are imbued with a soulfulness that never feels contrived. 'I'll Get By' is the kind of melancholic, piano-led lament that saw Norah Jones conquer the commercial world, though Lucinda's own satin-smooth vocals mask a lyrical ache owing more to a love of Billie Holiday ]'These Broken Things']. Perhaps best of all is 'Northern Lights', a delicate and emotional torch-song on which Lucinda is largely left alone with her 45 strings. It is here that she cements her status as an utterly bewitching new talent!) more...
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