This month we’ve taken a look at a lot of artists from around the globe. Throughout our journey, we’ve visited New Zealand, Sweden and Canada. In keeping with the theme of global artists, let me introduce to you Jo Hamilton! Jo Hamilton is a musician who was exposed to many different cultures. She has lived in Sri Lanka, Scotland, Kuwait, Saudia Arabia and many more places. Her debut album, “Gown,” recently hit the streetz and it is an eclectic mix of music, which emphasizes her multiculturalism.
When you first listen to “Gown,” Jo Hamilton sounds a lot like a younger version of the Jazz/Pop singer Cassandra Wilson. Hamilton has that deepness in her voice, much like Wilson, but at the same time her voice has a smoothness to it. Hamilton is a singer/songwriter whose lyrics takes the listener on a journey around the world with her.
Her debut album is a mix of musical styles and genres. It is clear from the beginning track that she blends all the cultures she was exposed to in her music. No two songs are alike, but the album seems to flow and have a cohesiveness to it. Although the album might have different musical styles, it all comes together nicely. I guess when you are used to traveling all your life you just pick up and move, and that is exactly what happens on her debut album.
Just because she spent the majority of her life on the eastern hemisphere doesn’t mean that she wasn’t exposed to music from the United States. There is not too much information online about this truly gifted singer/songwriter, but it is obvious in her music that she has heard of some of the music coming from the Americas.
One of her standout songs is a B-side entitled, “Write Honestly.” The song has a very Zero 7 sound to it, all the while showing off the various sides to this amazing artist. I think this song didn’t make to album because it doesn’t really fit with the theme. Even though I said from the outset that the album was an eclectic mix of tracks!
Another standout track on the album is the very pop-jazz fused track “All in Adoration.” This track shows the vocal range and style of Hamilton. The album begins with the very dark “Exist,” yet it goes through various stages. “All in Adoration” is a stark contrast to “Exist,” which is what makes the album so great.
I can go on and on about why I think this artist is great, but I have to end this blog sometime! She is not great because of her life experiences or because of her eclectic musical style. She IS great because of her stunning, yet haunting voice. Hamilton is one of those singers who you know from the first time you hear their voice. Her voice sores above the melody and takes you on a magical journey! There is only one word to describe this amazing artist: Stunning!
Although I’ve never seen her live, she has a lot of videos on her official website. The album does not do justice to her live work. Her album is excellent but I feel her live shows are superior! Some songs sound better live than they do in the studio. Hamilton is truly one to watch on stage! Unfortunately for us in the United States, she is touring in the UK, but if you visit her MySpace site you can demand to see her in a town near you! I must plead with all our listeners/readers to check out this truly gifted singer/songwriter!
Unfortunately, I am at the mercy of YouTube, so not all the tracks are featured, sorry! You’ll just have to buy the album for yourself!
Top 5 Songs
1. Write Honestly
3. Pick Me
4. Liathach
5. Think of Me
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