Yvonne Lyon “Ashes & Gold”

Independent, 2011

Glasgow's Yvonne Lyon has recorded four albums and sounds better with every recording.

• Lyon looks set to gain herself a following of some size. So accomplished and finely honed is her work that would be the very least she deserves.  Her beautiful vocals combined with her artful productions ensure the listener is never short of music of a high quality. Such is her poise and delicate way with a lyric and use of subtle tones I repeatedly thought of how fans of American singer- songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman will love the fabulous efforts of Lyon. If you don’t believe me then take a listen to her stupendous singing and then production of ‘All Is Not Lot’ because this is an awesome piece of work.

• With a natural singing voice and a sharp musical mind to match, it is a moth to the flame with the listener as they are drawn to her work, and such is the consistency of her music you don’t want to let go or tempted to let your mind wander. Not even for a moment other than in a direction that induced by her work.

  As for the songs that instantly struck, her single ‘The Coffee Song’ is a must hear song and it also has in the likes of the bright and breezy ‘Tiny Things’ and fiddle doused ‘I Am Loved’ for company. Yvonne has good diction and when coupled with her ability to project her voice in such an authoritative fashion as on the busy folk, pop country styled ‘Lonely Road’ that is a winner from beginning to end! ‘Feel the Light’ is one of two songs with a Cambodia connection that have Lyon recall of the notorious Pl Pot’s reign of terror. ‘The Reckoning’ is the other song in question and with it dedicated to the victims of Pot’s secret prison Tuol Sleng it is understandably, sombre, as her heart-felt tones are wrapped in gentle piano.

  Yvonne Lyon is a wonderful talent, and name I urge you, no make that command you, to jot down in your diary. Be sure to check her out because here is a lady with class.