In much the same way that Mary Black and Maura O'Connell established themselves with their distinctive vocals the same could be said of Janet Dowd whom I first heard on Richard Digance's Radio Devon folk programme.
Unlike Black and O'Connell however there are no American inflections, just the pure tone of Janet's vocal that will enamour her to anyone who enjoys an unblemished but spirited performance.
Starting with the gorgeous Dingle Bay, accompanied by an arrangement that would I'm sure have been approved by The Fureys in their Sweet Sixteen days, she immediately establishes her credentials with an assured performance that will gain her a legion of octogenarian (for this read BBC Radio 2) fans.
The track that originally made me take note of Dowd was the song John Condon, who was thought to be the youngest soldier to die in the Great War of 1914-1918.
Much like Eric Bogle's epic Green Fields Of France, I'm sure this song will be accepted by the folk music community in much the same way and it won't be long before it is utilised by every major artist (maybe it already has) looking for another holy grail?
This album showcases Dowd's obvious talents leaning towards a good ballad including the Northumbrian The Water Is Wide; Loving Hannah (also covered on the debut album by the afore mentioned Mary Black) and the evocative Both Sides The Tweed, penned by Dick Gaughan. Rounding things off with the Dixie-Land style brass arrangement on Wayfaring Stranger,(which I haven't heard since the heydays of The Seekers!) this lady should be required listening for those that enjoy a good songstress and a must have for festivals in 2011. www.janetdowd.com
PETE FYFE
Janet Dowd: Press
300 Miles is NUMBER 1 !!!! in the August edition of Irish Music Magazine, Belfast Region...we are absolutely delighted...
Thanks to all of you for buying the album....Happy Listening...
J x
REVIEW FROM ‘FOLKWORLD’ # 45
Northern Irelands folk singer, Janet Dowd (vocals, autoharp) has recorded her debut solo album with a bunch of great guest musicians including her husband Mervyn on drums, percussion & slide guitar. She sings 6 traditional and 6 covered songs from Ireland, Scotland & America. Brendan Goff plays the piano on the melancholic Irish ballad ‘Dingle Bay’, violin, electric bass, cello, banjo & accordion join in and Janet mesmerizes with her hauntingly beautiful singing. William Garrett plays lowland pipes & low whistle on the traditional ‘Both Sides the Tweed’ & Jonathan Toman on guitar and David Lyttle on cello accompany ‘John Condon’, (R.Laird/T.McRory/S.Starrett), a tender ballad for an Irish hero. Irish songwriter Jimmy MacCarthy wrote ‘Sky Road’ and Janet mesmorizes the romantic song with her crystal clear voice. Scotlands John Douglas from the Trashcan Sinatras composed ‘Wild Mountainside’, another romantic ballad showcasing Paula Raffertys fine fiddling, and ‘Dimming of the Day’ from American guitar player Richard Thompson adds with autoharp, slide guitar and Hammond a touch of Americana to the programme. My favourite song is the classic American traditional ‘Wayfaring Stranger’. Soulful singing, banjo and mandolin play Bluegrass and John Giffin made the arrangements for his saxophone and Rachel Tomans clarinet, an intoxicating version. Unfortunately Janet Dowd mainly sings soft ballads & songs, she also has a brilliant blues timbre & her excellent performance on the only rhythmic track makes you lust for more.
Adolf ‘gorhand’ Goriup
www.folkworld.eu/45/e/cds1.html#dowd