The first thing that grabs you with this album is Emily Smith's exquisite voice. Emily sings with fresh, lilting tones that are the perfect complement to both the faster rhythmic material and the slower, emotive ballads. Her voice combines the poise of Cara Dillon with the warmth and earnestness of Kate Rusby -- all wrapped up in her delightful Scottish accent.

A Different Life is Emily's second recording and is a strong collection. On offer is a combination of traditional material and a selection of material penned by Emily herself -- such is the quality of Emily's own compositions and her empathy with the tradition, it is often difficult to tell which songs are traditional and which she has written. Musical accompaniment is provided by a whole host of folk music's most accomplished names including Malinky's Steve Byrne on guitar and bouzouki, Flook's Brian Finnegan on flute and whistles, and New Zealand musician Jamie McClennan on fiddle. Emily plays piano and accordion. A sure recipe for success -- and that's exactly what you get!

"Always a Smile" is Emily's heartfelt tribute to her Polish grandmother, telling the story of a hard-working woman who traveled around Europe working as a servant before finding love with a soldier in Scotland. This is a very personal homage, brimming with pride, yet avoids over-sentimentality to recount this most moving tale: "but with courage and spirit you've conquered the trials / through life's ups and down you've always a smile." Emily has also penned a delightful, lively number, "Go to Town," that sits comfortably alongside any of the most enduring traditional favourites. The only detail that sets this apart from many traditional songs is its happy ending!

Emily brings her graceful vocal splendour to anything she tackles and none more so than on her alluring cover of Bob McNeill's "Strong Winds for Autumn," where the soaring chorus is delivered with a contagious passion. Conversely, we are treated to a feisty vocal on the traditional "The Lochmaben Harper," where Emily's vocal is every bit as vibrant as the driving melody.

"Bonny Baby Kate" is a slow air composed by Emily that offers the chance to hear her majestically expressive piano playing, and elsewhere, Emily's accordion gets an outing on a couple of sets of tunes.

This is a striking album, that seamlessly fuses together the traditional and the contemporary, with adeptness, empathy, and sheer beauty.

by Mike Wilson
Rambles.NET
28 April 2007