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Sounds Like
"There is a richness to "An Unfamiliar Place" that makes you wonder if what you're feeling is the same feeling that people got when they walked in on Joni Mitchell or Judy Collins playing Greewich Village back in the days. It's more Anglicised, a sort of Mid-Atlantic songbook if you will. Barbara's North East location comes through on some of the songs, both in the way she phrases and pronounces, but it's absolutely as it should be. Lyrically strong, poignant and moving. You can feel the passion for song reverberate in the delivery as it stops you in your tracks and reels you in".
Neil FATEA
“An extremely talented songwriter, who presents her songs with a voice that ranges between sensitive & soaring! But I love good instrumentation, so the best compliment I can offer is that her guitar picking & strumming is as good as it gets.” Stan Gee*
"We are all big Barbara Helen fans at the Station but we are not alone, Barbara converts anyone with ears, her songwriting is wonderfull and she is a great guitar player as well (damit). She has a new CD coming out soon and it is going to be GREAT." Ian Swinburne, Loftus Open Acoustic
"A voice like pure crystal" Bob Fishcer, Fischers' eye
"Barbara is possibly one of the finest solo singer / songwriters we have had the pleasure of seeing perform in a long time. Not only does she have a beautiful voice she also performs all of her own material in her act. With heartfelt lyrics and a varied repertoire, Barbara quite literally puts her heart and soul into her performance - beautiful, inspiring and enchanting." Clandesine Studios.
“Last nights folk show was another wonderful night of recorded and live music. The attractive and very talented, smooth voiced Barbara Helen gave us six amazing songs, and you don't have to take my word for it, e-mails from around the country, and the world paid tribute to her song writing skills and professional delivery, from such places as Texas, and from fellow myspace artists. Both Phil Graham and I sat transfixed in almost a hypnotic state as she sang love songs and songs personal to her life, many of which will feature on the new cd, which she is in the process of recording today.”
Terry Ferdinand .The Folk Show Bishop Fm Radio
Video kindly taken by Ian Swinburne at Loftus Open Acoustic
Also appearing regularly on local radio shows such as Gobstopper – the BBC Tees music show hosted by Bob Fischer, and Bishop FM – hosted by Terry Ferdinand.
A few of the latest comments:
"..... Then Saturday evening arrived......... Barbara Helen is a local(ish) singer songwriter and a lovely guitarist. She presented some of the songs from her recently released debut album "An Unfamiliar Place" and won a lot of new friends. She has a gentle, warm style that wraps you in cotton wool while she ponders on love and life. Highly recommended"...Paul Arrowsmith re Kirkby Fleetham Winter Warmer set
"Now again we are big fans of Barbara and since we obtained a copy of her CD it hasn't been off the player. An Unfamiliar Place is a beautiful album"...Angie NE Live.
"Barbara's performance tonight was absolutely first class, she delivered a full set ranging from the poignant and whimsical to the more up-tempo and joyful with her amazing vocal clarity and honest emotion.".....(CD Launch review North East Live)
....."Echoes of Joni Mitchell with nods to such as Don McLean - new acoustic to traditional folk to Appalachian groove, Barbara’s work has a refreshingly cool maturity often missing on the regional scene” ...The Link Magazine Jan' 09 CD of the month.
"A voice like pure crystal” Bob Fischer, Fischer’s' eye.
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“An Unfamiliar Place”
Recycled material has been used for the cover and no cellophane wrap.
Hey, I'll be posting the CD off tomorrow! At long last, sez she! And, yes, get the bairns domesticated early, cos there's nowt else for them today. See you around. Take care, Jules
Thanks for the offer, Barbara. I'll pull thro', cos I'm off downstairs to thump out Status Quo on the 500 watter. Well, the neighbours are off pillaging!
Thanks for the add Barbara. Crackin voice, its a pleasure to listen to you. Watch that Tim Leaning guy, if he offers you a sweetie and says come for a drive with me, be careful. He's a dab hand on the drumsticks. He calls it a bodran!! Best Wishes. Brian.
Sounds fab mate jealous over here. PS next time we see you out and about I am gonna be brave and say Hi. Saw you at the Rydale folk thingy in the village hall and bottled it.
Hiya, aret'off t'KFFC on Saturday. If so, Ive something small and round to give to you. Otherwise I'll post it on Monday. Sorry for the delay but when you've gained international acclaim, it'll be one of those "Hidden Recordings". Take care Jules
Great set last night,really good sound. How you keep so cool is beyond me, when its about 27c and I'm like a drowned rat!! Hope we appear on the same bill again soon. Enjoy the weather Steve x
Hello Barbara, Beautiful songs on here. It's the first time I've had the opportunity to have a good listen to them all and they are delightful. I particularly warmed to "Distance", the treatment you have given to this song is excellent and your vocals are superb, as indeed they are in all of the songs on here. A lovely melody and well thought out lyrics. Best wishes to you and good luck in getting the success you deserve, Paul
See what you mean, Barbara . To be honest that stage is a nightmare to photograph. Coupled with the fact that Andy has trouble with flash from time to time, I had to work with the poor natural light which resulted in motion blur.
Thanks so much Barbara. Yeah it was a shame we didn't get to meet at O'Grady's but I'm sure me and the band will catch you soon. Keep making that sweet music xx
Cheers Barbara, feeling is mutual. Your final song was particularly endearing. I've tried to whip up some interest for The Penny Black gig so we're not just playing to the barman and his bewildered goldfish...
sounds like a wonderful time was had by all! - and lucky birds!!! hope all goodly in your world - I've just started back at work...er...yay? big hugs x0x
Hey Barbara! We're not actually playing tomorrow, theres a far greater band by the name of Belladonna in our place. Dunno why our name is still on the site?!? I'll still be there to watch hopefully so may see you if you down Paul x