Gently does it

Press, 17 June 1982, Page 14

Gently does it

GENTLE ANNIE "Gentle Annie” (Ode SODE 161). Gentle Annie are a New Zealand folk group, who have managed on this album to put up an individual style, which could only be described as gentle. In fact, the three-piece have recorded a clear, surprisingly moving, album of differing styles of folk music that tests the sound qualities of anyone's stereo svstem.

Earlier this year I was critical of Ode releasing a Willie Dayson Blues Band album.' which had been recorded on a four-track at the Globe Tavern, Auckland. But, on reflection. I think Ode is doing a good job of ensuring that New Zealand artists are down on vinyl, and certainly with Gentle Annie the bonus is the excellence of the music. The former Californian, Martha Louise, and the two New Zealanders Peter Madill and Cath Newhook, thank all the people who encouragedthem, and also mention Emmvlou Harris, Kenny Baker, arid the Seldom Scene, but they are individual artists in their own right, and it is with

this stamp that the album is a great success. The album moves from country music in the "Old Timer’s Dance/Festival Waltz,” with Martha Louise featuring strongly on vocals, through to an instrumental sea shanty by Kenny Baker called “Salty.” “Wheels”, a Gram Parsons and Chris

Hillman (former Byrds) song, stands out for the violin solo by Cath Newhook, and "Midnight Flyer,” which oppens the album, is more in the bluegrass style. Interestingly, none of the songs on the LP are original compositions, yet the album retains a spontaneous, almost loving air, about it. One. of

the members of the band is, Peter Madill a luthier, and has made most of the band's instruments. Perhaps it is this do-it-yourself quality that give Gentle Annie ’its edge, for their music soothes ragged nerves and makes fine listening. -NEVIN TOPP.