Positive vibes have surrounded recent live performances by Scottish singer-songwriter Yvonne Lyon. She's making her mark further with Fearless, an accomplished collection of her own compositions; rootsy songs composed around piano and acoustic guitar. Lyrically intimate, her tunes are full of memorable hooks. Listening, I was reminded strongly of Sarah McLachlan -- it was no surprise to know that McLachlan and Shawn Colvin are big influences on Lyon.

Her voice is beautiful to listen to, and expresses itself with a reflective wistfulness (in the ballads), yet really delivers on the more upbeat songs. My one niggle is that Lyon's accent comes across as very American-sounding, and I find myself looking for more palpable clues as to her Scottish roots in the instrumentation (and there are plenty there). To try and pin a "label" on her music, it falls somewhere between contemporary singer-songwriter, folk and country. Lyon's songwriting ability is a real strength, and her voice and instrumental skill result in a cohesive album of significant beauty.

The overall effect on the listener is one of "balm to the senses," for Lyon's voice hits you with its clarity and warmth throughout. Gentler songs like "Fearless," "Unknown Smiles" and "Love" are striking in their understated simplicity. She's capable of shifting up a gear too, with rockier songs such as "Mariana" and "Subscribe."

Lyon's piano and guitar playing provide strong structure for all her songs, and the backing musicianship is excellent, never intrusive. I particularly enjoy Chris Stout's viola and fiddle, and David Lyon's lyrical touches on accordion and Hammond add nice depth. Graeme Duffin, Calum Rees, Ross Hamilton and Kathleen Ross provide strong support on guitars, drums/percussion, bass and cello, and there's some fine mandolin playing by Craig Dunsmore. It all makes for very enjoyable and relaxing listening -- Yvonne Lyon is a musician who shows immense promise.

by Debbie Koritsas
Rambles.NET
28 January 2006

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