BETH HIRSCH: WHOLEHEARTED

Beth Hirsch

WHOLEHEARTED

© 2007 Beth Hirsch/Electric Bee Music (837101328326)

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A modern & soulful hybrid of folk, jazz & pop

notes

Who knew modern jazz could sound this incredible? For any jazz fan out there, I would highly recommend that you give the latest release by Beth Hirsch, Wholehearted a listen. Even those not into her genre of music will be vastly impressed. An inspiring mix of Joni Mitchell and Julia Fordham, the songs featured on Wholehearted have a lasting summery feel, especially the title track.

While the theme of the entire CD is relaxed, there is also a touch of feistiness ("I'm a lunatic in love"). And how can one NOT fall in love with this CD and the music that is presented on it? This album is laid back, with beautiful, subtle and clever melodies. Hirsch is certainly a talented singer who succeeds at what she puts out onto the market, and of course, she does not fail to be just as stellar on this album.

For those familiar with the French band Air, she is the lovely voice on the tracks of their songs "All I Need" and "You Make It Easy." With the right songs and producers, Hirsch proves she can give some mainstream artists a run for their money, with captivating beats and sweet melodies that makes this CD a must-have, whether it is to add to a jazz music collection or to give a basic collection of music a spice of variety.

The tracks on Wholehearted express a love for music. Beautifully arranged and optimistic lyrics are set to music with a slightly sentimental sound; it's a CD that can be enjoyable to the entire family. And on this particular album, her music, delivery and voice are captivating and energizing; the lyrics have incredible depth and insight.

With this winning combination, it is immaculately executed, a thoroughly refreshing experience, and establishes Hirsch as a unique artist. If you are expecting the sound-alike tunes of modern day music, then this album wouldn't fit into your music library at all, but if you are looking for a voice and lyrics to find your inner self--then you have come to the right place. After basking in the brilliance of Wholehearted, I had also taken the liberty of listening to her previous works, and I am certainly glad I did. The works of Beth Hirsch are a great find that is no doubt a talent that deserves to be internationally recognized. ..

L. Anne Carrington
Music Indie Music Stop Helium



Beth Hirsch
Wholehearted
****
For someone who is in fact a musically-literate household name – thanks to the global success of Air's Moon Safari (on which she sings and co-writes You Make It Easy and the seminal All I Need) – Beth Hirsch has managed to since remain untouched by media spotlights. Even the artistic brilliance of solo debut Early Days, a gorgeous duet with Wasis Diop featured in a key scene of 'The Thomas Crown Affair' and the big name producers on her second, critically acclaimed album Titles & Idols didn't manage to propel her to international superstardom. Judging by her latest work, however, this may not have been such a disaster.

Nearly six years on from Titles & Idols, it appears that time has been kind. Hirsch's evasion of mainstream fame has hearteningly preserved her authenticity and talent. Early Days was so called as it marked her first etchings and attempts at defining herself as a musician. Wholehearted is just as aptly titled; Hirsch has clearly put her all into its making, wisely choosing to focus on her strengths as both performer and writer rather than studio wizardry. By offsetting the striking versatility displayed on Titles & Idols with the bare bones of her debut, Wholehearted brings us the sound of a more mature artist who has found her niche. It's organic in sound and full of warmth and feeling. Her voice has always been astonishing, and now her songwriting really works in harmony with the most striking qualities of this most powerful of assets. Hirsch appears to be at a point in her life where uncertainties have been dealt with and some resolve reached. You only have to read the song titles – Love Will Come Again, All Together and Glad To Know – to get a sense of assurance. It's a rare creature indeed who has the grace to spare us the usual self-indulgence and deliver something that's both optimistic and touching.

As one might expect from a Florida-born, LA resident, these songs have a lasting summery feel. Take the title track for instance; drenched in trumpets and laidback piano, it would perfectly complement a hazy August evening. Habitually in Hirsch's music, however, there's a slight sense of paradox. Optimistic lyrics are often set to music with a slightly sentimental sound, and it is this edge that keeps you coming back. "This slate is clean, but not from heaven" she sings on Indelibly You, hinting some unrest still remaining. While on the whole the record is a relaxed affair, there's a touch of feistiness too ("I'm a lunatic in love"). Externalising a little, Hirsch makes some sharp and cutting observations in the magnificent Life Is Short But Wide, a song that looks at the ever-potent issue of war and what it's good for (hint: not much). Her soldier protagonist writes home "but Hope has died, just as I have died/I learnt today that life is short but wide."

Simply put, Wholehearted is an album borne out of love of music. Beautifully arranged and immaculately executed, it's a thoroughly refreshing experience. While the electronic soundscapes of Titles & Idols were a wonderful addition to Hirsch's sound, her return to these simpler, uncluttered stylings is a welcome affirmation of her talent.

- Wears the Trousers (UK)


WHOLEHEARTED is now being considered Beth Hirsch's greatest work to date, thanks to the ethereal & soulful combination of Hirsch's vocals and songwriting combined with the richly harmonious production of Jez Colin & Phillippe Balatier and featuring the world-class talents of keyboardist Deron Johnson (Miles Davis, Seal), Pascal Reva (NoJazz), guitarist Jaime Kime (Jewel, Michelle Branch) and trumpetist Enzo Villaparedes (Earth, Wind & Fire) among many others.

reviews

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  • Wholehearted
    author: Robert Smith

    This lady has a sweet tender voice with lovely harmonising. Every song on this CD is magical, insightful, moving, uplifting; a whole range of emotions.

  • Seriously fantastic
    author: Selina Moses

    This CD is the best of Beth Hirsch's so far for me. It has a couple of weaker songs but even if the lyrics are a bit random, the melodies never fail to make me listen. Her voice is like velvet and adds such character to the songs

  • An album that hits all my cords!
    author: Stuart Murphy

    I was introduced to the music of Beth Hirsch via a friend recently. This introduction has shown me that there is talent out there away from the main stream and it comes in the form of Beth Hirsch. The wholehearted album is a joy to listen to espically in these cold and dark winter months, the album gives an inner warmth. Thank you Beth Hirsch!

  • WHOLEHEARTED praise
    author: Nick Ham

    I love this album - understated chill-out music with nice melodies & harmonies, and fantastic production that allows it to SHINE: nicely uncompressed and detailed with some wonderfully deep bass! It has not long arrived all the way from CD Baby to me in the UK, but it's growing on me every time I listen to it. Personally I find the analogy with jazz to be somewhat misleading as I wouldn't normally go for jazz, but I love this. I discovered this after hearing incidental music on a TV programme that caught my ear. The vocals reminded me instantly of "All I Need" on Air's "Moon Safari". I checked my Moon Safari CD for the vocalist's name, saw "Beth Hirsch", did a Google search, listened to the DECENT QUALITY 2-minute samples on CD Baby and placed my order forthwith. I am well pleased with the whole package!! I also listened to Beth's earlier creations but they did not do for me what WHOLEHEARTED does. Beth's latest creation is a triumph.

  • A Sweet Sonic Journey With Real Life Edge And Hope
    author: Robert

    Wholehearted is a life affirming, self affirming hopeful journey - told with Beth's unique emotive bent, wonderful voice and interesting lyrical imagery - from soulful intimate ballads to smooth grooves. You get the feeling right away that you're sharing a nice intimate conversation with a close loving friend. Beth is soft where the songs need it and assertive when that's the order - giving each message its due and the album a nice balance. Wholehearted takes on life's trials, personal and global, but doesn't just stay in the battle - it leaves you feeling like it's all at least good for growth and "the best is yet to come".

  • Beautiful Music, Beautiful Voice, Vintage Beth Hirsch
    author: larry

    I will never understand why Beth hasn't become a mainstream darling. Her unique music, delivery and voice are captivating and energizing. Her lyrics are contemporary poetry. Beth Hirsch is 'Somebody Dandy.'

  • Kudos to Beth
    author: Polly P.

    Beth Hirsch’s new album, “Wholehearted” firmly establishes her as a unique stylist. Her personal lyrics are nested in perfect-fit musical phrases. Sung in her restrained yet sultry voice they suggest a sensitivity and vulnerability that her listeners find so wonderful. Kudos to Beth.

  • beautiful, subtle and clever.
    author: Bart

    I've bought all Beth Hirsch's cds, because she has that silvery like edge to her voice that gets me everytime. This album is laid back, with beautiful, subtle and clever melodies. If you were blown away by the atmosphere of Air's 'All I need' back in 1998, then you should get this album right now.

  • author: amy

    Beth Hirsch's Wholehearted is a remarkable album. Her artistry reflects her capacity to capture the depth and texture of human relationships expressed in a deeply soulful voice. An almalgam of raw talent, skill, and insight! Amy B.

  • Deep, Sultry, Innovative - - I was captured by her sound
    author: Lisa

    I was referred to Beth Hirsch's music/website by a friend who suggested I listen to her new CD. Well, to say the least, I was captured! Her style and tonal expressions are deep, sultry and innovative. The lyrics have incredible depth and insight. After taking in her newest CD, I went to listen to some of her other works of art. Truly a new find that will be in my world for a long time to come and no doubt a talent that will be internationally recognized.recognized.

  • You can really get into this music
    author: Marj Remland

    What a compilation, it's the kind of music I can pop into the CD player in my car and really makes the miles disappear. Beth, you did it again !!!!

  • Beth Hirsch's "Wholehearted" is awesome!
    author: Rudy Fernandez

    This is one of the best CD's I own. We recently listend to Beth Hirsch's soothing "Wholehearted" CD as we were vacationing through the snow-capped mountains of New Hampsire. This is a CD that our whole family can enjoy togehter (which is a challenge with two teenaged daughters)

  • Smooth and sultry is Beth at her best!
    author: Billy Fraser

    Who knew modern jazz could sound this good. Everything Beth touches turns to gold, and this Cd is no exception. The more you listen, the more you fall deeper into her lush arrangements of sweet sexy jazz and pop. Her voice on this album is spectacular, which makes every lyric as significant as her memoir. My iPod will be very thankful!

  • Smooth & sinous lyrics with comforting music-a winner!
    author: WHOLEHARTED

    Hirsch has pleased once again. Curl up with a loved one and go into the lyrics, looking down at the sky or feeling life is short and wide-brilliant.

  • Wholehearted thums up!
    author: Tre

    If you liked Air/ Moon Safari --you'll love Wholehearted.

  • i love it!
    author: melanie

    thoughtful lyrics. great prodution value. a beautiful mix of joni mitchell and julia fordham.

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