Carrie Martin - Seductive Sky download free

Every now and then an album comes along which is truly special. 'Seductive Sky' by Carrie Martin is certainly one such gem. Usually, when reviewing, one can select a favourite track but it’s tricky to do that with this album as all the tracks are so strong - there simply isn’t a filler track in sight. The mostly monochrome sleeve is elegant and beautifully designed - a lovely welcome to the album and it perfectly reflects the simplicity of Carrie's musical arrangements.Carrie's voice is strong throughout and gently reminds of Eva Cassidy. Her guitar playing is exemplary and she uses a wide variety of different tunings to provide variety.There are some very well known and extremely talented musicians supporting Carrie on this project:Elliott Randall on lead guitarGordon Giltrap complementing Carrie with additional guitar on 'Holly Blue'Oliver Wakeman, piano and stringsDaniel Karl Cassidy on fiddleRicky Silvers plays double bassJamie Fowler plays bass guitarand Peter McLeod Bodhram adds his talents to 'Dancing Dragonfly'If you are looking for any weakness in this album you’ll be disappointed but, if being picky, the only thing lacking might perhaps be a booklet of the inspirational lyrics which so reflect Carrie's talents. Alhough Carrie sings so clearly many enjoy following the lyrics as a song progresses. Her lyrics are truly worth reading.The album opens with 'Maria in the Moon' written to accompany the audiobook for the novel of the same name by Hull author, Louise Beech. This is a very strong opening track and sets the tone with its captivating melody and reflective lyrics.Carrie's fascination with dragonflies is evident in the next two songs with 'The Flight of the Dragonfly' being an instrumental introduction to 'The Dancing Dragonfly'. The latter is a beautifully constructed song enhanced by the sensitivity of Daniel Karl Cassidy's fiddle playing. Carrie's guitar work is hypnotising and a wonderful droning bass drives the song.'Paper Thin' was inspired by one of Carrie's dearest friends - a very special lady. It's a beautiful reflection of her friend's life perfectly framed in a haunting melody.'Purple Heart' starts very gently but very soon opens into a catchy and beat driven chorus. It features the wonderfully laid-back lead guitar of Steely Dan's Eliot Randall. His work complements Carrie's song perfectly.'Time' is another perfectly-crafted, reflective song embellished by the piano playing and strings arrangement of the brilliant Oliver Wakeman. It’s difficult not to get lost in this one - just beautiful.The next track 'Holly Blue' is very dear to Carrie and it describes the problem of trying to hold on to something you love so dearly. Listen to the lyrics carefully, they are indeed thought provoking. This track is enhanced by the guitar playing of the hugely talented guitarist, Gordon Giltrap, a close friend of Carrie’s who has been her mentor. We all have him to thank for giving Carrie the motivation to proceed with her career in music. Those who love Gordon's music will easily spot the characteristic riffs so familiar in his own compositions. It’s difficult to listen to this song without getting goosebumps!'Heartbeat' is an upbeat song written for the dear friend to whom the album is dedicated. It’s uplifting rhythm was designed to help her friend through a very difficult time. Doubtless it was a very difficult song for Carrie to write but here she has achieved something very effective and her friend loves it. Well, it's difficult not to!'No Return to Yesterday' is another reflective song which is both gentle and melodic. Its melody once again proves difficult to expel from your mind. Stunningly good lyrics and the fiddle playing of Daniel Cassidy complete what is just about a perfect composition.'The Woman in Me' is another track which starts gently before opening out into a very upbeat rhythm.'High on a Hill' features the lyric after which this album was named. It’s a gentle song with strong arpeggios and very effective use of harmonics.The last track of the album 'You Make Life Look Easy' is very different. It’s written in ragtime style and displays Carrie's sense of warmth and humour. It is a terrific conclusion to the album and it’s easy to imagine dancers performing 'The Charleston' to this song.The bonus track is a lovely live version of 'Holly Blue' featuring Carrie and Gordon in concert in Chichester.Well, that’s about it. Everyone should own a copy of this remarkable album!