Nancy Elizabeth
Country of origin:
England
Type of music generally:
Contemporary folk, folk/rock
Status:
Most recent release, Dancing (2013)
See also:
Nancy Elizabeth's site (defaults to her bandcamp page)
Comparisons:
Vashti Bunyan, Lisa Knapp, Lou Rhodes, the stripped-down side of Beth Orton
Covers/own material:
Own
General comments:
Nancy Elizabeth Cuncliffe's understated folk, despite the multitude of instruments, feels somehow stripped-down and pure. It's something to do with the clarity of her performance and songwriting. Truly lovely, simply powerful, and moving folk and folk/rock. (Neile)
Recommended first album:
Wrought Iron
Recordings:
- The Wheel Turning King EP (2006)
- Battle and Victory (2007)
- Wrought Iron (2009)
- Dancing (2013)
Battle and Victory
Release info:
2007—The Leaf Label—Leaf 60
Availability:
U.K.
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Group members:
Nancy Elizabeth—vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, bells, bouzouki, dulcimer, glockenspiel, hands, harp, Indian harmonium, melodica, percussion, violin
Guest artists:
Stuart Eastham—double bass
Danny Norbury—cello
Paddy Steer—drums
Produced by:
Peter Philipson
Comments:
It feels mellow and sprightly and intense, sometimes at the same moments. Nicely understated. The best track here is probably the powerful title track, or perhaps "Lung" which edges its way under my skin, or the lively "I Used to Try". This album is a little uneven compared to Wrought Iron, but has great moments and shows so much promise. (Neile)
Wrought Iron
Release info:
2009—The Leaf Label—68
Availability:
U.K.
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Nancy Elizabeth—vocals and all instruments other than those listed below
Guest artists:
Karl Penney—drums (2)
Matthew Halsall—trumpet (5, 7, 8)
Peter Philipson—bass (2, 8), harmonica (9)
Produced by:
Peter Philipson and Nancy Elizabeth
Comments:
A collection of strong and individual songs with a wonderful clarity of vision. This is a such a strong album. "Feet of Courage" and "Lay Low" are both especially gorgeous, and particularly good examples of what she does so well: quietly powerful, earnest songs that ever-so-gently grab you by the guts/soul/heart/whatever-you-want-to-call-it. You're hooked. Or at least I am. I highly, highly recommend this album, one of my favourite discs of 2009 and one which deserves much more attention than it has received so far. (Neile)
Dancing
Release info:
2013—The Leaf Label—Bay 84CD
Availability:
U.K.
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Group members:
Nancy Elizabeth
Guest artists:
Jo Price—additional backing vocals (7)
Produced by:
Peter Philipson and Nancy Elizabeth
Comments:
"Indelible Day" is gorgeous. "Mexico" is strange and lovely. "All Mouth" is a beautiful, layered soundscape. I could list all the individual songs like this because each has its own spark. This is a wonderful collection of songs. Overall, though, Wrought Iron works better for me as an album. (Neile)
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