An inventive and enticing debut ep from a new (to me, at least) singer and songwriter who, on the strength of this release, holds the promise of a lot more to come. Thewes has a beguiling charm that draws you in to her self-penned material; add to that intriguing lyrics, melodies that creep up and catch you unawares and some subtle arrangements and you have songs that hold the interest through repeated listenings.This is a talent that sits in that strand slightly apart from the folk mainstream, recognising the tradition but adding her own distinctive individual quality. Expect to hear more of her as her reputation grows.
Jim Welsh – East Coast FM
Bio
Jemima Thewes is a singer/songwriter who grew up in the highlands of Scotland; an atmospheric landscape which continues to help provide the bones of her music. She sings traditional songs and her own material.
In February 2015 Jemima independently launched her debut EP ‘Bright Shadows’ with friends and collaborators Tim Lane (tongue drum), David Boyter (guitar/mandolin) and Susan Appelbe (cello). It has been greatly received with radio plays on stations such as Travelling Folk on BBC Radio Scotland and Late Junction on BBC Radio 3.
Cloud-hopping tales are told by warm, haunting vocals and adorned with playful instrumentation. Jemima and her band charm you along a cathartic, spell-binding and life-affirming journey. The unique combination of strings and a rare wooden box in the form of a chromatic tongue drum creates an innovative sound which along with Jemima’s compelling voice, magically stirs the emotions to the very heart of the soul.
Jemima has such a beautiful voice, with a great, original style. Her combination of darkness and irony, melancholy and delight is fantastic. It’s a pleasure to discover a new, unique talent like Jemima Thewes.
Rosanne Cash
A fantastic haunting voice of Jemima Thewes tells fabulous and unique tales of longing, loss, love, life, death and everything in between.Indisputably original in its format and its feel, Jemima’s sweet melodies and her evocative, poetic lyrics paint an enchanting fairytale whilst at the same time calling upon the listener to look deep inside their own soul in a very real way. Don’t miss an opportunity to join this exquisite and cathartic journey.
Saska Haramina
