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"You're partial to big, bold blues mamas? Australia's Lil'
Fi is a splendid one. She's also more than that. Along with the
oomph, sass and joie de vivre, a keen intelligence is evident on
her new CD, "Magic Door". Fi can " belt it
out" wonderfully well, but is equally potent when singing very
quietly. She's also a skilled, observant, compassionate, socially
committed songsmith. The irrestistible, good-timey numbers are all
the more rewarding for their not monopolising the album. Its title
refers to "the door that appears in our dreams." Doug
Spencer - ABC Radio National : The Planet |
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Lil' Fi "I have never understood why
music with metaphysical content has to be so damned BORING! So I
have written some songs which may challenge the average person to
think a little bit outside of their usual circle..... you don't
need a soft flouncy voice if you have something interesting to say"
"Magic Door" is the latest offering from Australia's
Lil' Fi. It is a wonderful collection of songs, stories and observations
all gathered in a beautifully presented CD. This is the third solo
album from Lil' Fi since her departure from long time band, 'Lil'
Fi and the Delta Rhythm Kings', and is by far the best.
On this new CD, Lil' Fi is joined by "The Gallery of Enlightened
Rogues", which features some of Australia's finest musicians:
MICK O'CONNOR - PIANO AND HAMMOND ORGAN |
DAVE FOLEY - DRUMS, PERCUSSION | DIRK
DUBOIS - ELECTRIC AND ACOUSTIC GUITARS, BASSES AND TIPLE |
JIMMY SLOGGETT - SAXOPHONE | RORY MCKIBBIN
- ELECTRIC GUITAR | NICK TIMMS - DOBRO
Bobby Bright, much loved and revered for his 1960's hits
with the famous "Bobby and Laurie", joins Lil' Fi in a
stunning duet on "Uneasy Like Me", underlining the social
unrest that is felt by today's young and old in our changing times.
Lil' Fi has co-written nine of the 12 tracks with her husband Dirk
Dubois (Chain) and has also covered three songs - the traditional
tune "Run Home" a cappella style, "Ten Foot Tall"
by Fiona Boyes, a song which was included in her 2002 performance
at the Queensland Theatre Company 'Women In Voice' show, and John
Martyn's beautiful ballad "May You Never", a much requested
song which has been a part of Lil' Fi's set for many years.
However, it is the original tracks that really stand out on this
album. Lil' Fi has a very honest way of making her observations
on homelessness, telling the truth, and even public lust into a
song. She has an unmistakably inimitable style of songwriting and
delivery, and an outstanding and very honest perception of sound
quality, staying true to her goals of always recording the vocals
"live" with the musicians - a refreshing change in this
world of over produced albums. The new CD "Magic Door"
is beautifully packaged and it's even got her trademark red bead
in the spine! Lil' Fi has been one of Australia's finest in the
independent roots music scene for over 14 years and continues to
be for a very good reason. She just keeps getting better!
"Magic Door... is this the door that appears in our dreams,
the same one we visit in song? It may be where children go in imagination,
where creativity resides. These are some moments I found beyond
the magic door..."
from the liner notes of Lil'
Fi - Magic Door
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