Album Review: Nouve Musiche by Sarah Pillow

Album Name: Nouve Musiche
Artist: Sarah Pillow
Year/Label: 2003 / Independent

[Buy at Buckyball Records ]

Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

This is an intriguing record. Sarah Pillow has recorded versions of 17th century songs from various sources. The arrangements vary greatly and that makes for intriguing listening. Pillow, aided by musicians from Brand X, is really onto something.

“Come Away Sweet love” by John Dowland is done as a contemporary pop song. It’s very catchy and sees the versatile Pillow singing sweetly.

Monteverdi’s “Exulta, Filia Sion” is done in a jazzy stlye with the musicians showing their skills at full blast. Pillow alters between opera diva and lounge singer styles.

Henry Purcell’s “Dido’s Lament” is done almost heavy metal style and it works. Pillow’s pure vocal meshes well with the loud guitars.

The evocative reading of Purcell’s “The Fatal Hour” is beautiful. Pillow’s voice is allowed to shine.

This record demands a listener with an open mind and for such a listener it is a treasure.

Posted on January 6, 2003

Track Listing
1. Amarilli Mia Bella (Caccini)
2. Come Away (Dowland)
3. Exulta Fillia Sion (Monteverdi)
4. Il mio Cacente Ardore (Sances)
5. Dido (recitave Purcell)
6. Dido (Purcell)
7. Usurpator Tirano (Sances)
8. The Fatal Hour (Purcell)
9. Air (Decid Csmo peude ser
10. Orphie (Rossi)
11. Can he exuse my wrong? (Dowland)

[Sarah Pillow Official Site]

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