The new CD "At the first sign" has been released and is available at our live performances.
This CD review appeared in the local street magazine dB magazine
By Michael Hunter
(dB Magazine – 17/ 9/ 03)
On this, their debut studio album, Adelaide band Vincent’s Chair start as they mean to go on. The opening track 1964 is pretty much a combination of all the elements that make this such an interesting and entertaining CD – an intriguing mix of jazz, folk and rock with professional musicianship, intelligent lyrics and warm, melodic vocals. To call it “adult” music would be an accurate enough description, and certainly meant in a positive way!
The modern jazz elements are probably those that come to the surface most regularly, though often mixed with a rock sensibility, and added touches such as viola, ‘cello and violin on To Love Someone That Way show they are unafraid to experiment with arrangements and textures. Lead singer and keyboardist, Kathie Renner wrote the majority of the songs, which often paint intriguing word pictures and show a good deal of thought and life experience. Each band member is given the chance to shine throughout, such as Shaun Duncan’s bass solo on My Siamese Twin or the keyboard and fiddle work on the wonderfully acerbic Disappointed to name a couple of instances.
I detected a kind of Joan Armatrading influence on a couple of tracks but that is just as a reference rather than any direct copying. The entire package is smooth in terms of music, production and presentation. Each player brings something important to the whole, which is of a world-class standard and certainly impressive in its own right.
As they say, watch this space.
Some other listener comments…
"I wanted to let you know I love your CD! In fact, I think it's 'too good'! It's got so much energy which is sustained throughout, and all great songs. It sounds like you guys all had fun making it, and you have a really creative group." Kathy (Brisbane)
"The CD is fabulous and I've been listening to it since it arrived and now have a selection of the songs running around in my head. I particularly love "Such is life" and love the 5/4 timing of "Lost on me" - it's so groovy! I also like "At the first sign" and "My Siamese twin". The more I listen to the CD the more I like it." Naomi (Sydney)
"I had to email you straight away to say how impressed I am. Some of the arrangements are quite complex and clever and superbly performed. I must just say how clever I think "Lost on me" is - goes between 3/4 & 5/4 really smoothly with the transition 2/4 bar. It has a lovely feel. It's hard to write good 3/4 songs you know, and you have done one better than that. Obviously you put a lot of time into the composition, and have had some highly skilled help from your band members. Plus the technical production's good. heck, even the art and packaging are great. You and the band should be well proud of what you've achieved." Mark (Queensland)
"Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the launch last night - to get so many people there on a Sunday night is an amazing achievement. Congratulations. I hadn't heard you live before. And 'Such is life' is an absolute gem of a song. The way you sustain the word 'empire' gives me goosebumps. I hope you sell lots of CDs. You deserve to." Peter Combe (Australia's Original Children's Presenter)
"The beauty and value of your voice and music are immeasurable." Chris (Perth)
"Last night was absolutely wonderful. Words cannot express. I hope you were able to pick up the vibe of the audience because they were so into it. A beautiful night!" Lynlee (Adelaide)
"Awesome gig, Kath. Seriously excellent." Jacki (Adelaide)
Kathie will be appearing at Fad (30 Waymouth Street, Adelaide) on Sunday February, 13 between 7 and 9pm. The rest of Vincent's chair will be there holding up the bar, as this is one of those rare occasions that Kathie is performing solo!