Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Perhaps its prophetic, more certainly timely, but as the stunning Olivia Ross delivers her immense debut solo album to the fans and music lovers, so we should turn our back on the grey and look to Grace The Blue skies that will, if we embrace the opportunity to do away with all that we understand to be toxic, all that we have clung onto in the hope they will lead us to some mythical utopian dream.
Olivia Ross embraces the beauty and confidence of bringing her own soul, to the fore to the listener’s experience, and in Grace The Blue the charismatic and distinguished style that makes The Shee one of the most vibrant groups in which to welcome into your home, is a powerful set of songs and musical vibrations which stir the heart of all.
Accompanying Ms. Ross in their respective roles are Signy Jakobsdottir, Laura Beth Salter and Rachel Newton from The Shee, and with a talented roster that includes Anna Massie, Rory Matheson, James Lindsay, Calum Stewart, and a rather special appreciation to Maureen Ross who provides backing vocals on one of the tracks, what is gathered together pulls on the heart strings with an allurement and declaration of passion.
From the moment of introduction in Little Steps and through passages of lyrical poetry and musical dominance that float on the air and beat with ferocity under the skin that include Bleary Winter, Morning Star, Little Sparrow, Hallelujah, the excellent The King’s Shilling, and Becca’s Big Day/Knoydart Ahoy!, Olivia Ross graces the blue sky above with a sound that is extraordinary, one that floats, one that is catches the air and is carried by the dreams and fears that make up each enticing track.
If there is a lesson to be learned by this album it is not to be concerned about how long your art might take to come to its fruition, how long that painting might take to create, the marble to become the reflection of the Muse, for in the end, as Grace The Blue shows with sheer will and bliss, the time taken is there so that the blessing and thanks will be ever more astute and true.
Ian D. Hall