Rating: NNN
Having made a name for herself with countless film and television soundtrack credits, including 2003’s Gemini-winning The Year Of The Lion, Laurel MacDonald is aiming to widen her fan base, and Luscinia’s Lullaby might just make that happen. The Gemini was a joint win with producer, arranger and musician Philip Strong, who makes his presence felt in a big way here, much like Robert Fripp’s work with the Roche sisters. The music also echoes that of the Roches, albeit without the wide-eyed innocence, which MacDonald forgoes in favour of lilting, otherworldly vocal experiments and lush, complex arrangements that match the depth of her range. Lullaby’s vox/music combo makes it sound like the work of some new-wave avant-garde dream team of Laurie Anderson, the Cocteau Twins, the Roches and of course Brian Eno – quite an accomplishment for MacDonald and Strong.
MacDonald plays the Music Gallery Tuesday (March 28).