Album Review
Gabby Young And Other Animals – One Foot In Front Of The Other
Gabby Young And Other Animals return with their third album, One Foot In Front of The Other, released on their own Gift Of The Gab Records. Young, who also runs an on line boutique called Gabberdashery, is a multi talented singer and songwriter. She has great vocal presence with an almost operatic voice, and has basically created a whole new musical genre. Called “circus swing” it brings together elements of cabaret, jazz, folk, world music and pop to create a stirring, theatrical sound that is full of imagery and drama.
There is great variety among the twelve tracks on this fine album. But what they all have in common is lush instrumentation, bold production, deep and personal lyrics and Gabby Young’s wonderful strong and melodic vocals. You get the feeling that she could sing any type of music at all, with her clear diction and powerful delivery – and when her voice soars, high and commanding, it is quite stunning.
The album opens with the soft French cabaret stylings of Sur La Lune (A French Ditty), Young’s passionate vocals standing out from the first note. The jaunty Time mixes a Balkan beat with a jazz vocal and works perfectly, the chorus building beautifully. And then comes perhaps the best track on the album: Fear Of Flying, which tells of overcoming phobia. Slower and simpler than many of the album’s tracks, the delicate melody allows Young’s voice to dominate as she delivers the inspirational lyrics in thrilling fashion.
The upbeat single I’ve Improved begins with a blast of trumpet and its simple chorus is quite infectious. Another Ship is another highlight, this one slower and downbeat. An acoustic lament for a faraway home, it shows a different side to the usually exuberant Gabby Young and is beautifully sung with real feeling. Saviour is also slow, an exquisite and tender love song written for partner, producer and bandmate Stephen Ellis.
The title track One Foot In Front Of The Other is piano driven and sees Young in defiant mood, displaying optimism in difficult circumstances as that fine voice soars majestically. And the closing track, the fast paced Back Where We Started mixes calypso rhythms, steel drums and trumpet melodies into an upbeat celebration. There is also a very good hidden track, Jessica, a beautiful lo-fi and emotional acoustic song.
There is more than a touch of eccentricity to Gabby Young’s music. It is eclectic and thrilling, varied and cinematic, and always very entertaining. And her classically trained vocals give her range and power that most singers can only envy. Add in some beautifully written songs and a backing band that provides just the right balance of diversity and melody and you get a very good musical collection indeed. If you haven’t yet discovered the wonderful world of Gabby Young And Other Animals then you are most definitely missing out.
Venue: One Foot In Front Of The Other
Support Band: Gift Of The Gab Records