Description
WHISPERS ON THE WIND From the up tempo and quirky ‘Goodbye Beethoven’ to the more reflective ‘Whispers on the Wind’, this CD contains a collection of Carmel’s most requested songs.
Nine songs on the album were written by Carmel. Two are co-writes with the fine Australian poet Patrick O’Leary and one with poet and conservationist Frank Smith who was a true West Australian treasure.
A number of the songs have been included on other compilations including ‘Up, Down South’ about the wonderful Noongar place names in southwestern Australia ending with ‘up. ‘Spirit of Mokare’ (trad n now Pick of the Crop 2008) and ‘Horses Coming Home’.
Some amazing musicians have contributed to the making of this album including Andrew Winton who played on a number of arrangements.
BIO
Carmel has built a reputation for her resonant and crystal clear voice, guitar and piano expertise and great rapport with audiences. With her catchy originals, Carmel is a favourite with audiences around Australia. Her songs are often featured on radio and have been included on many compilations.
Carmel’s ‘live’ shows contain her unique songs and stories of Australia’s people and places. With many fascinating tales and magnificent sights to behold in Australia it makes sense that they would end up providing inspiration behind some songs. A recent comment at one of her shows was; ‘Her voice, her versatility and banter with the audience and stories relating to the songs had me completely engaged – it flowed so effortlessly. I’ll definitely be at her next show”.
Review by Raelene Bruinsma.
Singer, songwriter, guitar and piano player, Carmel Charlton, paints her musical pictures with stories of Australia’s unique people and places. Carmel’s song “Spirit of Mokare” was a finalist in the 2006 Folk category of MusicOz Awards. Carmel Charlton’s Whispers on the Wind is a warm, John Denveresque, collection of songs about people and places, mainly in the artist’s home state of Western Australia. The CD opens with a rousing catchy chorus in the uptempo Greenhead, Dynamite Bay before settling into a collection of sweet singable ballads, occasionally returning to more upbeat territory (eg. Bay of Isles). Carmel’s love for her subjects radiates in her clear smooth voice. Her melodies are lovely and at times (eg. the verse of the title track) allow her voice to curl enticing around its sweet spot in a manner reminiscent of Anne Murray. A stand out track for me was the clever Good-bye Beethoven which tells of Carmel’s move from the classical music genre to a more (folk) country style. Those with some theoretical knowledge of Beethoven’s style will appreciate the musical jokes which are sometimes subtly incorporated in the arrangement. But even without that knowledge it is an entertaining song. Like all of the songs, it is well arranged, the instrumentation enhancing the song without overpowering it. A great album for those who enjoy a musical sensitivity and gliding melodies.
