Time To Fall

Amazon.co.uk Time to Fall is the long-awaited second solo album from Capercaillie's lead singer, and committed fans will be happy to know that it continues in much the same vein as her 1996 debut The Dreaming Sea. Again it's an album of smooth, silky ballads with subtly programmed electronica and soothing strings courtesy of The BT Scottish Ensemble. There's little of Capercaillie's rhythmic rootsiness, even though most of the band are actually playing on it. Once more she relies heavily on the skills of Love And Money songwriter James Grant, who penned half of the 12 numbers. There are still nods to tradition in the musical setting of Robert Burns's poem "Bonnie Jean", and "Moch Di Luain" and "An Aitar Achd Ard" will keep fans of Matheson's celebrated Gaelic vocals happy. Michael McGoldrick's whistle adds to the subtle Celtic vibe as well. There's even a slightly jazzy flavour on "Moonchild" and "Speed Of Love", the latter with the memorably sensual whispered line: "The smell of gorse/Like coconut and peach". Those looking for something a bit more challenging and angular are advised to stick to Capercaillie--you won't find any jigs or reels here. But if it's relaxing croonery from an indisputably beautiful voice and a gentle Caledonian ambience that you're looking for, or if you liked the first album, then this will appeal. --Jon Lusk Product description Karen Matheson - Time To Fall - CD