I first saw the young blues guitarist Chantel McGregor at the Cambridge Rock Festival last summer, when she appeared low on the bill fronting a blues-rock power-trio, and simply blew everyone in the crowd away.
Her long-awaited debut album is not quite what I expected. While her talent as a virtuoso guitarist ought to be clear to anyone who’s seen her live, this album shows just as great a talent as a singer-songwriter. It’s hugely varied record; with nine original numbers and three covers, she doesn’t just do blues, but also does hard rock, delicate acoustic work, and some quite catchy pop-rock with choruses that get stuck in your head after a few listens.
The production is quite stripped down, giving her voice and guitar a lot of space. with subtle and sparing use of Hammond organ and cello to add additional instrumental colour. Some of her vocals remind me of Heather Findlay, with a similar natural warmth, beauty and earthiness. There’s certainly an Odin Dragonfly vibe with the acoustic numbers. The guitar playing, as expected, is fantastic too; enough spectacular pyrotechnics to satisfy any fan of great lead guitar, but like all truly great musicians, she also knows exactly when to rein it in and keep things simple.
Of the original numbers, the rocky “Free Falling” really deserves to be a hit single, and I love the angry “Caught Out”, a song for which I can definitely identify with the lyrics. The instrumental “Cat Song” is great fun too with slide guitar imitating the meowing of a cat. Another standout for me is “Screams Everlasting” which starts at as at atmospheric acoustic number and ends with a magnificent slow-burning electric solo. Two of the three covers are vehicles for extended guitar workouts, with the version of Robin Trower’s “Daydream” clocking in at not far short of fourteen minutes. But the third is a stunningly beautiful acoustic interpretation of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon”.
This is an album which ought to have something for everyone who appreciates great music played by a real musician. It’s about as far from Simon Cowell’s karaoke factory is it’s possible to get.
It’s available direct from Chantelmcgregor.com.
Another quality review you’ve penned there, Tim. Chantel could have easily made an album that focused on her virtuoso guitar playing. Instead, Chantel has shown that she can sing and play many different styles from within the vast universe of rock music. And sound such a natural at whatever she turns her hand to.
I enjoy Chantel’s acoustic work equally as much as the full band electric shows, so I’m pleased to see this acoustic selection. Chantel is also a proper, natural vocalist. Her vocals, especially on Rhiannon, Daydream & Screams Everlasting do show the natural warmth and beauty in her voice.
There’s a number of potential hit singles on there. Free Falling (love the middle eight), the title track and Happy Song for starters. Full of catchy hooks and choruses. I hope that Chantel will get plenty of well deserved air play on Radio Two. On other shows as well as the Paul Jones Show.
Its a very satisying and enjoyable album to listen to.
I forgot to mention this, but there can be no higher praise for Chantel than to compare her qualities as a vocalist with those of Heather Findlay.
Good review, I look forward to hearing the CD when it arriives next week. Hope to see CM at Hebden Bridge at the end of May.
Great review indeed – hopefully when she’s wisdom toothless she’ll be even better!
Chantel did warn me that the album versions of her songs were very different from their live counterparts, which I was hoping would be a good thing. Unfortunately for me this album does not hit the spot.
When I first heard Chantel play Fabulous, I thought it was a great driving rock song. I wasn’t expecting the album version to sound like Cheryl Cole meets Lilly Allen. I’ve got to admit though that this could easily be a hit single for her.
Chantel is supremely talented and I wish her every success with this album, although the sooner she releases a live album the better it will be for me.
Sorry, just the opinion of a 50+ old codger!
I think this is the most talented guitar player I’ve heard in the last 30 years….but I was a little disappointed in most of the songs being popish. Love you girl.
p.s. Please come to the U.S.. I’d travel 1,000 miles to see you play that guitar.