What is common throughout this collection, however, are thick harmonies, a gently melodic groove and sharp, never over-done production. All of which Heidi herself has had a big hand in creating. Indeed, no demo quality stuff here.
Here is how Fickle Mind breaks down:
"Wonderland Jam," a nod to major influence Stevie Wonder, is a fun, multi-layered, wordless vocal exercise set to a hip-hop beat. This track is also 100% Heidi--conceived by her spontaneously--and shows off her abilities as a studio programmer and mixer. Since the central attraction of this show is her voice, it's only appropriate that the album ends the same way with a reprise.
"Fickle Mind" is propelled by a bass-lead groove and Heidi's confident vocals, and a nice short break provided by Rob Hamilton's jazz guitar.
"Round the Bend" marries a traditional Irish melody and Kate Bush sensibility to a contemporary, mid-tempo beat.
"Planet of You" is my personal favorite. It begins with a chord progression that reminds me strongly of the intro of Steely Dan's "Deacon Blues," followed by a snappy groove and a jazzy melody that further strengthen the connection with The Dan, or Bonnie Raitt in one of her more r&b-ish moods.
"She Laughs Freely" also evokes Kate Bush as well as fellow Vancouverite McLachlan. It's boasts passionate mood and a deep, spiritual melody.
"Play My Game," inspired by the artist watching her first hockey game, provides a perfect platform for her to launch into some of her clever metaphors, set against a sublime mix of bossa nova and Middle-Eastern influences. With it's acoustic guitar-driven melody it wouldn't be out of place at all on an India Arie record.
On "Placebo," Heidi turns up the funk dial with a Erykah Badu vibe, which continues on with "Last Night," a fine example of Heidi's ability to layer her vocals over the beat just right.
"Looking Forward" works because it's a minimally arranged tune with a Spanish flavor and a fascinating bridge. This track was so well recorded, I often forget that it was performed live!
Article comments
1 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites.
2 - Diane
ALRIGHT ! I just checked this girl out, she is amazing, what a refreshing change. Even though the critic compared to her style to a number of different people, she sounded very original to me and the people listening around my desk. Give her a record deal!! What a talented songwriter, arranger, performer and more. I hope I get to hear her live at some point.
3 - Pico
Diane, I'm glad you agree with me, thanks for the comments! And yes, she is indeed an original; I was just trying to provide some touchstones that readers can latch onto. But the best way to get a feel for her music is to listen to it, which you wisely did.
And I appreciate the forward, Connie :&)