Jane Bartholomew - Fiery Son

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5...according to our Business Lady on Sat 18 Jul, 2009.

First thoughts on seeing the new Jane Bartholomew 7" single was 'hey good looking'!! Yep, that's right i'm loving the cover art for this single. The beautifully screen printed artwork reminds me of the early works of Chicago illustrator and all round good guy Chris Ware. The design is like something you'd have printed on the front of your bass drum skin if you we're in one of those classy american swing bands of the 20's. Very stylish stuff. For those of you who don't know, Jane Bartholomew is a curiously odd singer/songwriter based in Brighton? A-side 'Fiery Son' is a belter of a tune that's got everyone in the office cooing over the beautiful vocal and haunting arrangement. It's a real showcase of what this emerging singer/songwriter is capable of, her quirky vocal style perfectly complimenting the spooky tune. Kinda reminds me of the new Kelli Ali (post Sneakerpimps folk pop) but with the added quirky elfin edge you'd associate with Joanna Newsom. Instrumentally we get a subtle mix of piano, drums and guitars with violin and cello taking on the lead melody. The drummer offsets syncopated rim-shots with washy cymbal splashes which gives the track real momentum and groove. It's a top little tune yo! 'Edge of the world' is a little more subdued but equally as effective as the lead track with Jane's vocal accompanied by a simple piano and string arrangement. Jane's piano playing is sparse and well thought out and the calming nature of her voice makes for enjoyable listening. This single should be heard by all good people. Take a listen. Also comes with a lovely old Will's cigarette card. Mine depicts a De Havilland "comet" racer in full flight. It's a great illustration. Business Lady xx

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         The debut single from Brighton based singer/songwriter Jane Bartholomew is a limited edition vinyl only release of a brace of songs of heartbreaking melancholy and haunting vocals, released through Palm Springs, ‘Random Acts Of Vinyl’ label. Each record is wrapped in a hand printed, individually numbered sleeve, containing a vintage cigarette card, and follows on from her classic debut album, ‘Morning Songs’.

          ‘Fiery Son’s beautiful vocal and haunting string arrangement, rest atop jangling pastoral guitars that drive and build the song to a beautiful crescendo of syncopated drum crashes and cymbal washes. In direct contrast it’s sister song, ‘Edge of the World’, is as simple and gentle as it is dark, where the subtle string arrangements give the piano and vocal the space to breathe in the sweet lyrical sadness of this beautiful song.

          Jane Bartholomew is an artist whose talent can light the darkest night, a fallen angel whose songs can save us all.

‘This record should be heard by all good people. Single of the Week.’

Norman Records

‘Jane’s dark minimalism contrasts wonderfully with her bright voice. Charming and delightful. Single of the Week.’

Rolling Stone Magazine

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