Review: Folk and Roots...... "it’s an absolutely charming, often profoundly moving – and in the end distinctly inspirational – record of a universal journey. A release to really treasure. "
David Kidman.
"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 ...........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 Acoustic nights, but we are not alone, Barbara converts anyone with ears, her songwriting is wonderfull and she is a great guitar player as well (damit)."
Ian Swinburne, Loftus Open Acoustic
"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."
North East Live
“.....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
Winner of Richer Sounds and Banks Music first " Step Up To The Mic'", Musicians contest 2009 :
.........."Barbara sent goose bumps through the audience.".. Music Room Shop Talk.
An Unfamiliar Place Album of the month January 2009 ...The Link Magazine.
"The finest singer-songwriter Teesside has to offer"....North East Live
FOUR STARS given Rock 'n Reel R2
Combining a very English vocal diction with elements of the singer-songwriter approach of Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins and Joan Baez, North East of England-based Barbara Helen debuts with an eleven-track collection of originals..
The title track, a delightful statement of intent tinged with regret, is decorated by warm, inviting acoustic guitar. It’s this laid-back accessibility that is the general tone of the Album..... Helen is a charming vocalist, an accomplished guitarist and an impressive songwriter. An Unfamiliar Place suggests she is a lady worth watching.
Danny Moore. R2 Rock n’ Reel.
Video kindly taken by Ian Swinburne at Loftus Open Acoustic
Live performances several times on BBC Tees Bob Fischer show, and Bishop FM – hosted by Terry Ferdinand.
A few of the latest comments:
"............. 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
"....... 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"
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“An Unfamiliar Place”
Recycled material has been used for the original limited edition open sleeve cover and no cellophane wrap for the more recent copies in jewel cases that contain the new booklet.
Cold Flame will be releasing a special limited edition cd of newly recorded acoustic material in time for Christmas.The mini album entitled COLD FLAME ACOUSTIC features some of the band's acoustic material as played by Pat,Rob and Paul..Release date is Saturday December 5th..more details to follow stay tuned to myspace.
Good morning Barbara,,, I was just listening to When you look at me and of course Little bird a couple of times,, After hearing your beautiful voice amd songs I think I can go to bed,, Have a wonderful day,,, much respect,, peace, love ginny
We never knew.... far far away... and you break my heart! Thankyou for sharing, and we have to know...so important to share those emotions, even if we never knew... Best thoughts to you
Hello barbara, nice to meet you. Neil has told me lots about you. I listened to your music last night and enjoyed it very much. Take care and keep singing. Daniel x
It's damned hard graft at times, Barbara Seriously, as she's been in the news again recently, I've written a small piece about her in next weekends blog. Doing so, reminded me that I had some old shots of her somewhere in the house.
lol, pleased you enjoyed the experience and you did bring a lot of glamour to our dull studio, what was the name of your new song, the last one you played xx terry
Thanks, Babs. Yes Pete usually does the vids and I attempt the audio. Once he's up loaded them I'll check them out/ And Hey, thanks for the friendship!
Oh, Barbara,,if you could HEAR this baby, omgosh..you may not like the VOLUME, but you WOULD appreciate...the CLARITY so much power affords, when one uses careful damping and volume control..with a Generous portion of Palm Muting, heheh... BEASTLY my Dear, Primal really!! Thanks for lookin, it is much appreciated Dear Lady.
Barbara, I just stop in before I go to sleep, I was just in listening to a few of Leighs soothing music, now I need to here your sweet voice,, it helps make my dreams delightful,,, Hope you didnt have to much trouble getting to sleep.. Have a great Monday,, much respect, peace, love, ginny
Thanks Barbara. And yes, I'm floating, feeling so incredibly happy! Never thought anything like this would happen, that makes it even more wonderful. Have a beautiful weekend! Jenny xx
I don't think I told you that I woke up the other morning with 'Blue Sky' warblin' in my head? Thats the test of a great song - It comes to you unbidden when you are not really thinking of anything in particular.
Keep at it Northern Songbird (the title of your next CD by the way! lol)
Thanks ,for the kind words it was a great night last night ,really good film ,its released on dvd in January im told, very 70s hammer horror style , I see your getting air play on the radio ,thats great ! every little helps eh ?
What a nice thing to say, thank you. I always enjoy your sets too esp Blue Sky and Own Language (right title?). See you in Hartlepool on the 25th for a CD exchange!
Thanks for the add and appreciation of the band.Best wishes in your efforts whatevever they may be this week..Do keep in touch.Cheers from all the crew at COLDFLAME.COM x
Online Now!
Seriously, as she's been in the news again recently, I've written a small piece about her in next weekends blog. Doing so, reminded me that I had some old shots of her somewhere in the house.
