Biog
Esther O’Connor, ‘‘David Geffen crossed with Stevie Nicks’’ as described by the Sunday Times, previews music from her forthcoming 3rd album. Harking back to the great singer songwriters of the 60’s and 70’s Esther has an arresting and potent songwriting talent. Esther O’Connor is the real deal.
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In 2008 Esther released her second album 'Right Here' in the UK on her own record label to outstanding critical acclaim including among others an unreserved 5 stars in the Sunday Express and support on BBC Radio 2 and on regional radio nationwide.
Esther's past festival appearances include, T in the park, V festival, Big in Falkirk and Free 2007 plus many more. With a fantastic line up of musicians and armed with brand new songs from her forthcoming 3rd album Esther is showcasing the new material at Manchester's prestigious 'In the City' Festival in October 2009. She is also gearing up for a nationwide tour to coincide with the new album release. Her latest single 'Lost Innocence' was again supported on BBC Radio 2, received rave reviews in the press and saw Esther performing live on STV's 'The Hour'.
Her live performances have been hailed by the critics as ''Sublime'' and ''Spine- tingling'' (The List), ''A Real Rock and Roll Princess'' (The Sunday Mail) and possessing ''A voice rich in depth and emotion'' (The Buteman)
Radio stations nationwide have also been captivated by Esther's tuneful haunting songs and blown away by her stunning live radio performances. Tom Morton of Radio Scotland describing one of her tracks as "Neil Young meets Beyonce round at Joni Mitchell's house", recognizing the retro flare that runs through Esther's music and her love of a sassy pop hook. Journalists and fans alike recognize that Esther is a trailblazer, a talented musician forging the way ahead in this new musical landscape.
For all press/ booking enquires inquiries contact anthony.calder@caldereps.com or info@estheroconnor.com.
*****Reviews *****
‘’’The Sunday Express (five stars) ***** It’s clear from the title track that you are listening to something special with O’Connor’s second solo album… It’s time for KT, Sandi and Amy to make room because this should launch a new Scottish star into the charts. ’’
The Herald (four stars) **** ''O’Connor has one of the best voices heard in Scotland in some time, and a set of fine songs to show it off…''
The List (four stars) **** There is an unmistakable modern twist to her music, and she flits effortlessly between, husky poppiness on the likes of ‘Saturday Man’ to soulful stripped down and spine tingling. ’’
The Daily Record (four stars) **** Having been hailed as "Neil Young meets Beyonce round at Joni Mitchell's house", the extremely talented daughter of Wet Wet Wet guitarist Graeme Duffin delivers the sort of languid Celtic soul that should win her even more fans.
(Classic Rock Magazine). ''Miss O’Connor’s vocal technique seems as fiery and precocious as her red hair.''
''(Daily Mail) she sings like a veteran of the music scene’’
(The Sunday Mail)‘‘With buckets of charisma and reminiscent of Fleetwood Macs Stevie Nicks, Esther struts her stuff like a real rock and roll princess.’'
Music News Scotland (Top album in top 4/ What's hot) ‘’This is an excellent album, passionately sung by a girl with a great future’’
The Daily Record ‘’Another stunning slice of pop folk from Scotland’s stunning Esther O’Connor…She’s the new Sheryl Crow, 2009 should be a good year… Spellbinding’’
The Scotsman ‘’Esther O’Connor- The countryish K.T Tunstall’’ Doug Johnston
Maverick ‘’ ****''Captivating music... Rocks out in a seductive way thanks to Esther's fantastically feisty vocals. Esther proves herself to be a very talented songwriter with this, her second album release''
Rock n Reel 3 “Esther has a fine voice and an excellent cast of musicians behind her. The arrangements are consistently interesting & do much to raise the album above the competition.”
Edinburgh Evening News ''Redhead set to take the music industry by storm''
(The Daily Record 'Hot scots list') “She’s sizzling because she's got one of the best voices in the Scottish acoustic scene.”
‘’Get Ready to rock magazine (four stars)****''Right Here sees her keeping on the right track with a varied album that covers all the bases from pop to country to rock and folk… Sweet vocals and excellent songs’’
(Classic Rock Society) “Great songs throughout which take in rock, rootsy folk & country but maintain feelgood pop vibe which along with her sugar sweet lilt, should ensure lots of airplay for a very radio friendly album”.
Blues Matters, Leith FM, Classic VRN Radio “This CD is packed with catchy essentially pop songs... sparkles and shines thoughout.”
Regional Reviews
Burton Daily Mail “Sounds a bit Joan Osborne and a little bit Aimee Mann… Strong, sincere album. Loved it. (Emma Turton)
Gt. Yarmouth Advertiser The lyrics are emotive and very descriptive and the song structures
Make the tracks memorable while the production offers the perfect balance between O’Connor’s variable vocals and the acoustic/ electric guitar mix
Berwickshire advertiser ''Her hauntingly beautiful voice picks you up and carries you along with her in each and every song... The title track opens the album and, like many of her songs, has the hint of Celtic influences, while Esther’s lyrics tell you that ‘All you ever wanted is right here’ - and it certainly is.
Southern reporter '' Her songs are thoughtful, upbeat and warming – the kind you put on when friends are round in the hope of being complimented on your trendy, just-off-mainstream taste in music... Live, she’s impressive and has won the kind of accolades any established musician would be proud of.''
The Buteman live review ''A voice rich in depth and emotion''
Online Reviews
(Toxic Pete)’This album is mature and classy ... as chilled as it is edgy, as subtle as it is ballsy.’’
(Street Voice Fanzine) “This lady not only has a great voice, she's a great musician. Esther has got everything going for her and if there's any justice in this world you'll buy this album. It's brilliant. 9.5/10”
(Fairhearing review) ''Laidback Sheryl Crow hanging out in Fort William... A damn likeable album with depth and colour and the bravest bits work best''
(Rhythm and Booze) ''Esther's vocals wrench at the heart strings as she delivers her sensational soul searching vocals''
(From Bumb to Grump) ''A mixture of lively and slower tracks make this an album to be enjoyed from start to finish''
(Net Rhythms) ''She's got a firm grasp of upbeat radio friendly melodies, but Hope and Honesty show she's equally adapt at the more reflective soulful notes. My personal favourite would have to be Hold On, a jaunty fiddle bounced number with impossibly catchy chorus over which her voice soars... Given the airplay it deserves, there's every reason to expect her to be making quite a name for herself over the coming months.''
(Spoonfed online review) ''A new, powerful Scottish voice with a knack for uplifting melodies and a musical style pitched between K.D. Lang and Tori Amos.
She's a striking looker with considerable vocal power and enchantment.’'
(Fifty3 reviews) ''Once in a while you hear a song which you hits you with a capital H on the very first listen and stays there. Esther O'Connor's new single, Lost Innocence, demands such attention and it will not be long until this young Scots singer will be a household name.''
(Fatea Online review) ''This is as good a slice of pop as you're likely to find anywhere complete with a voice to charm selkie..''
(Fatea Online review) ''This is as good a slice of pop as you're likely to find anywhere complete with a voice to charm selkie..''
Radio quotes
Jeremy Vine (BBC Radio 2) ''Fresh, self-assured and original - Esther's music just makes you happy to be alive. What a great new talent.''
(Bob Harris BBC Radio 2) ''...acoustic player of great note''
(Tom Morton, BBC Radio Scotland) “Somewhere between Suzanne Vega and Sheryl Crow, with the plangent melancholy of one, and the sassy snap of the other, you’ll find Esther O’Connor”
(Metro Radio/Bauer Radio Ltd, Chris Felton) '’Brilliant album! I am playing a lot of her tracks on air with great response, tipping her to be a "one to watch" for 2009...’’
(West FM/ Bauer Radio Ltd James Pllu) “a great talent Scotland should be proud of in the year of the Homecoming”
(Nick Low BBC Radio Scotland) "Esther O'Connor's new album Right Here is a breath of fresh air. It shows a masterful songwriting talent and lush arrangements that draw on the vibe of classic Fleetwood Mac but with Esther's unique lyrical perspective on the world. The single Saturday Man is a catchy radio friendly slice of pop."
(Northsound radio Bauer Radio Ltd Michael Gordon) "Finally, a pop record that you can listen to at full volume in the car, sit at traffic lights with the window's down, and not feel ashamed!
Esther's voice oozes quality and like a roller coaster, "Right Here" takes you on a musical journey with as many twists and turns along the way. ''
‘’The single is Perfect for radio, "Saturday Man" is pitched just right. Poppy enough to want to sing a long, and credible enough to sit alongside any singer/songwriter, in any playlist".
(Alan Robson MBE Metro Radio/ Bauer Radio Ltd) ‘’I think Esther has a fabulous voice and writes great songs with hooks that kill, how she is not a superstar already is beyond me”
(L107 Derek Mcintyre) ''Saturday Man, Such a catchy little song, where did this sing/songwriter talent sneak in from? But don't write Esther off as a one - hitter, the album is packed with more little gems of songs like Saturday Man... who knows what 2009 will bring for Esther O'Connor''
Sue Marchant BBC Cambridge (and 5 counties)
" Esther O'Connor - enchanting reality with a romantic glow, hug my ears anytime "
(Nick Wakeman; Cuillin FM) ‘’An album that has been long overdue. At last, a new Scottish female star to rival the likes of KT Tunstall and Amy MacDonald. Powerful and emotive. Definitely on our playlist.’’
Hi Esther Have really enjoyed listening to your music this morning. Thank you so much for your Friendship Have a wonderful week filled with Love and laughter. Always in 'Light' Chris - (Cheshire)
Ciao,Esther Thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot, Band, and stupendous voice. compliments ..really. you are one of my prefeitis, I feel great admiration for you, be really one whom is worth rather a lot! I hope to listen soon to you, in italy .. talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music all the best.. from italy.. and good life.. every day neal
you have an amazing and gifted talent Christopher W Herbert New Zealand
7371 Heiress of the Moon 13 March 2009
You will never be lonely, when the moon does shine You will never be sad, when happiness is in your heart
Because then, and only then, will you feel the warmth upon your shoulders The hint of sunlight in your hair, the touch of truth upon each breast
You will never be alone, when your hand is held tight The touch of skin, upon your flesh, a softness only you can feel
When in all, you will stand alone, yet, not, and neither be lonely You will never be alone, because of your heart, when the moon does shine, all will be well
hey hey!! thank u so much for the add!! if you have some time, will you check out my page and tell me whatcha think? leave me a comment, write me a message! whatever u want. dont be a stranger! muah!
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO BE IN YOUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS. IF YOU HAVE TIME, WOULD YOU MIND CHECKING OUT OUR NEW RELEASE...(CAUGHT UP) AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK. ALWAYS APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND COMMENTS....HAVE A FABULOUS WEEK AND LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU,
I hope you have a “purfect” week Peace and love. Paul X
Paul Weston Arts web link coming soon!!
“My Cat.”
“My cat leaps around the garden fence Pouncing on anything that moves There’s no defence Sleeps for hours and sometimes days Bathing in the summer rays Hibernating in the winter cold Prowling, howelling meowing so bold My cat is quick, sleek, reactions unique If I ever return as a bird or a mouse then I am going to leave my house When I am due to travel away my cat sulks for days Moody before and then turns his back as I return to the door Feeding him food from a tin Is considered by my feline friend a cardinal sin He sits and looks at me in disgust This is not what I want for my breakfast. “Give me lean chicken, salmon or fresh beluga Or I’ll slash the side of your chair like Freddy Kruger My claws are sharp I will reduce your coat To the texture and look of an old Nanny goat I go to sit in my favourite chair In front of the fire and guess whose there! Asleep in my bed I awake with surprise As a purring nose pokes me straight in the eyes! I now understand the word perfection Is all about my cats affection Even when he wreaks the place I live A look from those saucer green eyes makes me forget and forgive. My cat has a spiritual link, a supernatural perception Something that humans have no connection I can only watch look and admire all of that Oh…I forgot to mention. My cat is An Acrobat.”
