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
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.
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
what you think of our new song "Going Going Gone" its the start of our new genre change to hardcore/rock/screamo check it out and let us know what you think :)
Hi Barbara,,, I was just sitting here paying bills, and listening to your music sure made it a lot earier,,..I didnt get up tight thinking of all the money these companies want,, your music just kept me in a nice mood,, Thanks again for your beautiful voice and songs,, Have a wonderful week,, musch respect, peace, love ginny
Hi Barara, Your cd has arrived! Your voice is floating in my living room this very minute I absolute love all the songs. Thanks for sending it to me! Have a really good evening! Jenny xx
Hello Barbara, sorry to hear you are FERLOPPED!! :)) If you have any time, please- check My Space video on my MAIN page, "Idjit Savant"...I have posted some footage of myself and my good friend Larry Taylor ( Quando) . We got together several times over the Summer, just the two of us and our "Drummer in a Box"...hey, he doesn't show up DRUNK, and SHUTS up when I want him to, lol.........Thanks for your Time and Interest Dear, and keep playing that Beautiful Soothing Acoustic MUSIC, all in CAPS!!!!!!!!!! Peace, Light..Soar with the little Birds, on the Joy of Life...and CREATION!!! Martin
Ah......my ears tell me I couldn't have made a better choice, for THEIR "Breakfast" ! Good Day and a Great Weekend Lovely Lady, keep a song...in you Heart, and ..in the Air!! Best Regards, Martin
Thank you for the add and the kind comments. Really enjoyed your music - I listened to the whole lot, went on to watch the videos and could still have happily listened to more; very relaxing and finely crafted songs.
Its getting there, I have faith in Lee but its just taking a while and I am being impatient as I just want my shiny albums to arive in a box! I meant to ask you are you still doing session in mboro at the Alice and such like? xx
Barbara, You are the Idjit's Favorite now!! He says: " Barbara... CARES, she watches...and SHE listens!!! " And that means the World to The Idjit. MORE than money, or Fame...much more than these. Peace!
Thank You Barbara Dear, for taking the time. It is quite soothing, nice to have sounds that would have cost a FORTUNE a few short years ago, available in inexpensive software!!....one STILL has to come up with the Melodies, though!! Have a Great Rest of Day! Martin
Online Now!
I absolute love all the songs. Thanks for sending it to me! Have a really good evening!
