Natalie D-Napoleon - HereIn California

Wed 23rd Sep, 2009 in Music Reviews

Natalie D-Napoleon – Here In California
Foghorn/MGM

In releasing a recording of covers, most artists do so as a way of getting somewhere. Because a half decent cover version is damn good way to get yourself noticed. But Perth singer-songwriter, Natalie D-Napoleon’s recently released EP of covers titled Here In California is more about a journey that has already taken place. In relocating to the coast California, D-Napoleon serves up a selection of songs that pay tribute to the musical landscape from where she came and the one she is currently exploring.

The recording opens with a pensive rendition of the Paul Kelly track To Her Door. D-Napoleon has stripped the song right back and allows her airy guitar and passionate vocals to shine. She also highlights the song’s natural melancholy through some tender piano accordion courtesy of longtime Grant-Lee Phillips cohort Phil Parlapiano. In tackling AC/DC’s rock anthem You Shook Me All Night Long D-Napoleon slows things down from the origin, but it is still a rollicking rendition that comes with a tongue-in-cheek fiddle solo.

The final Australian song is a beautiful version of Even The Sweet Things Die by her Perth friends The Jayco Brothers. As D-Napoleon’s vocal yearn, Melanie Robinson’s cello whines in sympathy. Complimenting the three Australian compositions are three songs from Californian artists. Hummingbird – a song by D-Napoleon’s recent touring partner Victoria Williams – is a joyful fiddle-driven tune that bounces along quite nicely while Guy Clarke’s LA Freeway – an ironic tale about Los Angeles – features some magnificent guitar work by the legendary Kenny Edwards. It has been the quirky You Shook Me All Night Long that has been receiving the radio attention, but it is D-Napoleon’s stirring take on the Kate Wolf classic, Here In California that gives the release its magnum opus. With Edwards again at her side, she brings out the heart and soul of this overlooked classic. While these might not be D-Napoleon’s own songs, Here In California opens the door to a very personal musical world. And while there might be an ocean between the two sides of D-Napoleon’s world, here they are beautifully and coherently united.