Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
To be considered fearless is not always in the best interest of the soul, it offers little, or arguably no leeway in how you deal with the unexpected disaster, the issues caused by others that are out of your control; you might be able to meet them head on and defeat them with impunity but where is the growth, where is the humility?
It takes a special kind of artist to be fearless but seem approachable, dynamic but vulnerable, brilliant and be able bring out the best in the person taking time to listen to them; some might suggest it is charisma, a captivation of the exquisite charm that some have in abundance and who seem to play on the neat but underwhelming facade, rather than inspiring others to see beyond the thread of their perceived narrative. A special artist who strode majestically between the punk glam, the hearty pop and the powerful beat of Rock, obviously plays cards with the Ace being dismissed but instead the Queen High Straight being the ultimate play of expression.
Times change, so must the artist if they are to grow, to experience the exchange of ideas in which a new genre night have found a way to seep into their tender souls, and for Wendy James, the pull of the jazz chord is more than magnetic, it is a polished alure to which she invites all to join in with, whatever your game, there is that undisguised joy of the performance to which each song on her fifth solo album to relish being introduced to.
Throughout Queen High Straight, Wendy James explores the feelings of sensuality, of timing and the moment of beautiful surprise, fearless? Yes indeed but with the vulnerable edge of humility and unpretentiousness weaved throughout, a heartbeat beneath the skin being felt as the listener places their hands in faith on the soul of the music.
Across tracks such as Perilous Beauty, Free Man Walk, the excellent A Heart- Breaking Liar’s Promise, Testimonial, the desire that cracks the album open further in The Impression of Normalcy, She Likes To Be (Underneath Somebody) and Cancel It…I’ll See Him On Monday, Wendy James soars, a picture of calm, but knowing that being fearless does not mean avoiding what may scare you, for in the end, as Ms. James proves, to appear fearless is a mask, to be open, to lay your heart on the line is to be human.
A fantastic set of songs, the Queen remains completely in control and loving every second.
Wendy James releases Queen High Straight on May 1st.
Ian D. Hall