Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

The power of 3, a number that cannot be divided by the whole, it is a symbol of strength, of divinity and legend, the three-fold person to which we all see in the long mirrors that adorned tables of old and into each face there were the reflections of glory, of inspiration and of beauty; Just 3, there is no need to crowd the room with more, there can be no greater affection bestowed.

For Little Sparrow, the magnificent voice that resides in the body of Katie Ware, Just 3 is the moment between the breath, the songs that continue to caress the imagination between the scintillating and passionate Wishing Tree and the much longed for new album due out in 2019. It is a caress on the heart that is yearned for, the voice that enlarges the soul, the calmness that mystifies the mind; Just 3, three little words, perhaps of love, arguably from a woman who understands the meaning in the delicate persuasion.

The three tracks that make up this generously proportioned E.P. owe much to the power of 3, of three artists coming together to make a set of songs that wow the listener, that exemplify the relationship that can be subtly magnified when the music takes hold; and when even in the artistic interpretation of a cover becomes a shining example of revised care and the beautiful.

Joining Little Sparrow on this short but undoubtedly impressive journey is Robin Dewhurst and Sarah Dale, and it is a match that brings out so much vigour, so much panache. It is a match of consequence, a fantastically slowed down version of Madness’ Baggy Trousers which reflects perhaps the more feminine aspect of memory of what boys are like at school and brings to mind Tori Amos’ renditions of songs such The Boomtown Rats I Don’t Like Mondays, 10CC’s I’m Not In Love and Depeche Mode’s Enjoy The Silence that she recorded for her Strange Little Girls albums. The rewriting of history maybe, but one that sees the story from the girl or the woman’s view, and one done perfectly by Little Sparrow.

With the beautiful songs Tender, which was released as a single to great critical acclaim and Dry Your Eyes , which deals with the reaching out and positivity of proclaiming you are not alone when dealing with depression, both adding a sense of utter exquisiteness to the release, Katie Ware/Little Sparrow projects the moment between breaths, of understanding the way men and women see the same picture in a different way, and makes it a joy, deep, reflective, sometimes pushed under by the melancholy, but still a creative joy.

A magnificent E.P., one that keeps Time happy till the new album appears and the song which will continue.

Little Sparrow releases Just 3 on July 13^th.

Ian D. Hall