Dani Wilde

As a long time fan of Dani Wilde this album came as a very satisfying statement of where the lady is at.
5 acoustic songs and 5 electric, recorded live in the studio with her band including brother Will Wilde on harmonica.

Having seen her live a fair few time it is probably the best way for her to record at this stage in her career – capturing the immediacy and intimacy of her live performances but with the elements of control that the studio can offer.

The first few tracks are simple and utterly sublime.
She has always had a great deal of emotion in her singing and playing but here, wow! She is gentle, soulful and sweet – bordering saccharine but never crossing over.

‘Bumblebee’ is pure down home Blues. Harp wailing in the back behind her pleading voice and minimal acoustic guitar while ‘My Old Man’ is a beautifully told story, full of sharply etched images, wistful and full of love for – I assume – her father. She doesn’t eulogise him, just paints a picture.

‘Glorious Day’ is the epitome of soul. Opening with her voice and a simple acoustic. Once again those clear as a photo word images and the way that her voice just drips with the loveliness of the day to come. Will Wilde’s harmonica is gentle but strong and the harmonies towards the end are gospel done just right.

After an emotional rollercoaster with Dani’s version of ‘The Living Years’ the last of the acoustic numbers is ‘Electricity’ with her voice just sending shivers down the spine.

The electric number show another side of Dani Wilde and it is one that keeps people coming to her live shows year after year.
Her band kicks royal ass while her voice takes you into a soul stew on ‘Deeper Than Black’ and then she hits you between the eyes with a sexy and sassy version of ‘Hound Dog’ that smokes like a 5 cent stogie.

Dani Wilde is that rare thing – Shirley Temple sweet with a core of pure Eartha Kitt. This is the first album I can remember from her that really captures her and it is a great ride.

Special lady and special album