Reviews

'Honest indeed: Helen’s second CD has all the attributes of her live performance, in the best possible way, combined with the talents of Georgina Turner, Pip Ives and Geoff Sandiford in songs which sparkle with insight and sincerity. A reworking of Sea Glass opens the door to the title track, which reaffirms her clear understanding of maritime matters: only a genuine sailor could have penned it. Then, for me, the outstanding track: Hold On To You. It’s rightly become a signature tune, the sentiments clear-sighted, compassionate and worthy of the acclaim they are gathering. Helen’s vocal has so much strength and purity it leaves this listener awestruck. Other genres contrast delightfully: Meantime Man you’d imagine a 30s blues, The Company You Keep is a wry look at friendship with a warm smile and Winter Song reveals a reflective, deeper side. The Youngest Shantyman tickles up the ambitious novice neatly; Rest Easy is another stand-out track in which Helen’s ability to convey emotion is to the fore. If you had Helen’s work filed under ‘seafaring’, think again: here you’ll find a body of melodic songs from a writer branching out, performed with a powerfully gorgeous voice and leaving you with a host of memorable phrases which hit you when you least expect them. Riches!'

Bob Kenwood, Around Kent Folk magazine. Issue 91 Feb/March 2109