SHANA MORRISON
7 Wishes (Vanguard)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Shana Morrison's Vanguard debut (her first album was on her own Belfast Violet label) is an eclectic collection that shows off her range, both vocally and stylistically. Blending rock, blues, folk and hip-hop influences, she liberates herself from her heritage (she is, of course, the daughter of Van Morrison) with an adventurous originality. She seems willing to try anything, and able to do most of it very well.

Not unlike her famous father, Morrison has a tendency toward vocal inflections that tread perilously close to affectation, and that element of her performance may be a bit of an acquired taste. Still, the original material composed by Morrison and members of her band, Caledonia, is strong enough to encourage the development of that taste, and when she sings it straight, she reveals both impressive dynamic range and that quality of emotional expression that can only be called soul. The band is impressive, too, with standout performances by guitarist Chris Collins and Matt Rollings on the Hammond B-3. Slide guitarist Sonny Landreth guests (Landreth seems to be making his own bid for the title "hardest working man in showbiz") on several cuts, as well.

And yes, dad shows up, as the writer of two songs and in a cameo performance on his "Sometimes We Cry," which may be my favorite track on the album, not because of his contribution but because of Shana's straightforward and moving performance.

It's a fine effort, full of current enjoyment and future promise. I hope that at least a few of her 7 wishes are for more albums, because I look forward to more from Shana Morrison.

Track List:

I Spy * Smoke In Bed * 7 Wishes * A Song For The Broken * Mother * Would I Could * Day After Yes * Naked In The Jungle * St. Christopher * Cherry On Top * Sometimes We Cry * God Must Love Me * Connection

© 2002 - Shaun Dale