Louise Dodds and Elchin Shirinov have released a new single that beautifully combines jazz and classical music with a powerful emotional storytelling.
Release date: Available now
Label: Loch Tay Records
Format: Digital / Streaming
Written and performed by vocalist Louise Dodds, and pianist Elchin Shirinov, the new single Nowhere To Hide follows on from the duo’s album Two Hours After Midnight, which deservedly figured in At The Barrier’s Best of 2023 list. Containing a set of traditional Scottish folk songs enveloped within the most exquisite of jazz arrangements; it is an album well worth seeking out.
Nowhere To Hide was originally recorded during lockdown and released only as a video, however Louise and Elchin have repeatedly been asked to release it as a single, and it is now with us. The song’s words were written by Louise about her relationship with music, at a time when she seriously thought about walking away from a music career. Thank goodness that didn’t happen, and that the result was this beautiful and moving song.
The song opens with Elchin’s delicate introduction of the melody on piano, which is both elegant and graceful, and a perfect platform for Louise’s vocal. It is a wonderful vocal that gently explores the contours of the song, giving full musical expression to the rapture and challenges of music making. Lyrically the song really captures your heart, and from the emotion in Louise’s voice and the heartfelt lyrics, we get a real and tangible sense of the personal and professional crossroads that Louise had reached.
At the song’s bridge, Louise and Elchin improvise some gorgeous musical phrases, that speak to the creative freedom they have developed through their musical partnership, that can both move and immerse the listener. Here Louise’s scat singing and Elchin’s ethereal piano playing take the song to a whole new level.
The performance of this lovely and expressive song, seems to combine both jazz and elements of classical music, imbued with a folk tinged storytelling. It is a musical mix made in heaven, performed with sensitivity and emotional investment. We can’t wait to see what future music emerges from these very talented musicians. Louise and Elchin are currently booking a tour for 2024, and from our review of their Edinburgh Festival Fringe appearance last year, you can be assured of something quite magical in a live setting.
You can view the official music video for Nowhere To Hide here:
For more information about Louise Dodds and Elchin Shirinov:
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Categories: Single Review
