Lowri Evans

Although I recognised her name, Lowri Evans hasn’t crossed my radar so I was intrigued to hear her latest album CORNER OF MY EYE and I think I’ve just discovered a real gem.
Lowri has been singing and writing songs since she was a young schoolgirl and has released several albums in both English and her native Welsh language; leaving the still outrageously young woman to sound remarkably relaxed and confident throughout.
The title track which opens the album features some delightful guitar picking and a voice with a slight warble to it; which made me smile, and the song itself is terrific and deserves to be played on national radio.
My Friend and Hello Love are both delightful and after repeated listening are also quite intricate stories woven into the fabric of two beautiful tunes.
Another thing to mention is the outstanding production by Lee Mason and Lowri herself which picks out some delightful musicianship, but nothing ever gets to distract from her distinctive breathy vocals and the songs themselves.
The album ends on a real high with the accordion drenched Love/Hate which is one of the most imaginative and thought provoking bitter-sweet love songs as I’ve heard in years.
While billed as a ‘Folk singer’ Lowri Evans is so much more than that; as she is polished and professional (not unlike Katie Melua); meaning she will appeal to the ‘middle market masses’ who listen to Radio 2 and buy CD’s in Tesco; and not just 14 people wearing duffel coats in a Folk Club still clinging onto to their Pentangle LP’s. - No depression, Americana

She has a wonderful voice and, with 'Corner of my eye', Lowri Evans has surely cut one of the albums of this or any other year. It's simply a dream.
Welsh-born (Haverfordwest Pembrokeshire) Evans has been singing since she was a child (and has the Eisteddfod awards to prove it), first in choirs, then bands (Criws, Stella) and solo since 2002. She records in both English and Welsh, each new release garnering greater acclaim. Her clear and expressive vocals, imbued with a bluesy sensuality, ensure Evans cant conveniently be pigeonholed simply as 'folk'.
'Corner of my eye' never falters; something extra-special, every song is testament to a very special talent. Intelligently sequenced, the album is a cohesive set of reflective, wistful songs, benefiting from Evans and co-producer (and guitarist) Lee Mason's tender, uncluttered arrangements which allow Evan's voice to carry her tunes straight to the heart. For a taste of the delights that lie within, check out 'Deep inside', 'Easy and Slow' and 'My friend'.
Fine, subtle ensemble playing-including Martin Simpson on slide and Dobro and Andy Cutting on Accordion-adds exquisite detail to tunes that are lyrically and melodically irresistible. - Rock 'n' Reel

For many people, the reputation of Wales as “the land of song” probably calls to mind either a capacity crowd belting out Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau at Cardiff Arms Park or a tuxedo-clad male voice choir emoting their way through Rhyfelgyrch Gwyr Harlech. And while I’ve no wish to denigrate either of these venerable musical institutions, the stereotypes do tend to obscure the reality of the flourishing and diverse music scene in Wales today. There are many fine musicians and singers who have made (and continue to make) valuable contributions to the music scene, not just in Welsh popular culture, but internationally – from Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey, through the Manic Street Preachers and Catatonia, to Lostprophets and Goldie Lookin’ Chain. Alongside this is a well-established tradition of solo singer/songwriters: Dafydd Iwan, Meic Stevens, Cate Le Bon and Cerys Matthews, for example. But nothing stays still forever and so it is that there are always new voices to be heard and Lowri Evans currently finds herself in this category, despite having been making music for most of her life with a string of record releases since 2005.

On first listen, Lowri’s new album, Corner Of My Eye, is a relaxed and mellow affair, nevertheless it quickly gets under your skin. The summery feel and sweet harmonies of opening title track (and first single) Corner Of My Eye has already been played on BBC Radio 2, while Martin Simpson’s slide guitar (his first of three guest appearances) on Because Of You is judged to perfection.

Treacherous Heart is a keening slice of Americana driven by John Honour’s subtle percussion and Lee Mason’s Hammond organ with Martin Simpson’s resonant guitar to the fore. The spartan arrangement of Can’t Say For Sure showcases Andy Cutting’s accordion, and Nerys Richards’ well-placed strings allow Lowri’s heartfelt vocals to take centre-stage. Martin Simpson returns to the mix for Deep Inside, a tale of the vagaries of love with some nice harmony vocals by Lee Mason and Phoebe Partridge on an incredibly catchy chorus; for me, this is one of the highlights of the album.

Pizzicato strings and some flowing accordion embellish the slow waltz that is Hello Love, before the delicate fingerpicking of the folky Talk To Me floats in with Lowri’s clear and confident voice front and centre. Again, backing vocals by Lee Mason and Phoebe Partridge add depth and colour; it has to be said that the harmony arrangements throughout are a real pleasure to hear, they sit well in the mix, enhancing but never overpowering Lowri’s singing.

Easy And Slow continues the folky feel and is tastefully embellished by Lee Mason’s lead guitar while My Friend is a dreamy musing with lovely vocal harmonies from Phoebe Partridge. The lyrical quiet storm of Love Hate further explores the Celtic Americana idiom with a fine ensemble performance and brings the album to a natural and satisfying conclusion. Corner Of My Eye combines polished arrangements with a relaxed atmosphere; yet its hidden depths call you back for repeated listenings and give Lowri Evans the ideal platform to find the wider recognition that her music deserves. - Folk Radio UK

For those unfamiliar with Lowri Evans, her newest offering, ‘Corner of my Eye’ should give you some food for thought.
Nominated as Welsh Artist of the Year, bi-lingual and singing since the age of seven, Evans is like one of those rare gold nuggets, not often found, nestling within the Welsh valleys.
With influences ranging from folk, country, Americana and blues, the ten tracks on the album offer much to fall in love with over the course of its 30 minute time frame.
The album plays like a lament to loss and love with Evan’s vocals very much at the forefront of every song. This is no bad thing.
The title track, and first single, which shares the albums name, showcases Evans voice in all its distinctive, quivering tones and hues.
The Country influences glimmer through on the guitars for ‘Because of You’, but it’s the edges of Evans vocals, where the hints of her Welsh background shine, that gives the song so much more character and weight.
The country influence continues through ‘Treacherous Heart’ where there’s richness and depth to be found within. Evans pairs up with the albums co-producer, Lee Mason, for vocal duties on this track and others and it’s a choice which complements the tone of the album well.
There’s a familiarity throughout of feeling you’ve met these songs before, like a long-lost friend you hadn’t thought much about, but now they’re here, you’re glad they came. Littered with simple, yet effective, melodies, ‘Can’t Say for Sure’, ‘Deep Inside’ and ‘Hello Love’ are simplistic, and aching in their beauty.
And as Evans sings,”You’ve got such a beautiful face” on ‘Talk to Me’, you genuinely believe every single note of what she says.
The album ends on ‘Love Hate’ a track which incorporates the idea of the album as a whole, ‘You talk about love, like you know, what it is, you’re talking about.’ But it’s clear from the ten songs on ‘Corner of my Eye’ that Lowri does in fact understand the concept. In fact, she understands it very well.
If ‘Corner of my Eye’ has anything to offer, it is the understated beauty with which its main protagonist delivers her lines. It’s Evans vocals which shine out amongst the tracks. Beautiful in places, reflective throughout ‘Corner of my Eye’ is a great soundtrack to those days where you just need some time to reflect.

The album is released on 4th November with the first single, ‘Corner of My Eye’ released on 14th October. Lowri also has tour dates planned in England and Wales through until November.
Kirsty Fraser - Isthismusic.com