Dana Gillespie Albums (17)
'Live with the London Blues Band'
Release Date 1/29/2007
Tracks 12
Label Ace
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Although she would eventually become most known as a blues singer, at the outset of her recording career in the mid- to late '60s, Dana Gillespie flirted with pop/rock, folk-rock, and mildly psychedelic baroque pop. All of those styles can be heard on her obscure 1968 debut album, Foolish Seasons, which was oddly issued in the U.S. but not in the U.K., despite the heavily British-European cast to the production and arrangements. The melange of approaches makes for an indecisive direction and uneven quality in certain respects. Yet at the same time, it makes the record an undeniably interesting, at times even exhilarating, slice of eclectic late-'60s Swinging London-tinged pop. Very roughly speaking, Gillespie echoed the material and vocals of fellow British woman pop/rock singers such as Marianne Faithfull and Dusty Springfield at points, though her voice was at once both huskier and smokier than the young Faithfull's, and gentler and more whispery than Springfield's. The styles tried on for size include the breezy psych-pop of "You Just Gotta Know My Mind," a Donovan composition that Donovan himself never recorded; the very Faithfull-esque (in the good sense) wispy folk-pop of "Tears in My Eyes" and Gillespie's own composition "Foolish Seasons"; the sunshine pop-influenced orchestral arrangements of "Life Is Short" and "London Social Degree," both penned by cult British pop/rocker Billy Nicholls; the gothic Euro-pop of "Souvenirs of Stefan," which vaguely recalls the likes of Françoise Hardy; and the downright catchy, sexy, mod pop of "No! No! No!" Further unexpected turns are taken with the almost pre-goth blues-pop death wish "Dead," and the haunting, eccentric cover of Richard Fariña's "Hard Lovin' Loser." Sure, there are a couple of icky-sweet pop clunkers along the way (including Gillespie's sole other self-penned number on the album, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not"). On the whole, though, it's an extremely likable (if somewhat stylistically confused) album, with nonstop unpredictably luscious and imaginative production. The U.K. 2006 CD reissue on Rev-Ola has thorough historical liner notes, including many quotes from Gillespie herself. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Dana Gillespie is a superstar in Britain and in Europe. She has recorded 45 albums in a career longer than Eric Clapton's; she's been a star of screen and stage and even a national waterskiing champion. She is best recognized as a blues singer, however, in the grand Brit blues tradition. Staying Power, issued by Ace, features Gillespie with her own road band on a program of mostly originals -- Frankie Miller's "You're the Star" closes the album. While her band occasionally sounds a bit stilted and keeps her reined in, Gillespie is nonetheless a powerful vocalist who infuses this program of sexually loaded material with verve, toughness, and a steamy sensuality that suggests that all of the protagonists in these songs have been around the block more than once and know what it is they want without uncertainty and how badly they want it. The confidence in Gillespie's phrasing and delivery more than makes up for any constriction on the part of her backing band. The truth of desire is all in the grain of her voice; the sensuality in the way the words fall from her mouth like raw honey dripping from the comb is poignant, direct, and without subtlety or fear. Bawdy, rollicking, and at time near raunchy, there is nonetheless a certain elegance in this approach to the blues; these songs, unapologetically about sex and punctuated with tasty horn charts and sharp guitar runs, create an aura of confidence that is mysterious because of its experiential quality. Check the title track, "Timeless," "Sweet Tooth," "I Sigh for You," and "All Loved Up" for references. Another twist is in the deep soul-blues of "Put My Anchor Down," which is reminiscent of "It Hurts Me Too" by Elmore James, where vulnerability asserts itself as a strength. The band really rises to the occasion here and delivers to support Gillespie's reaching vocal, making the ache and resolve in the lyric move from stereo speaker to listener in direct fashion. A fine album for Brit blues fans. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
'Have I Got the Blues for You'
Release Date 1/1/1997
Tracks 12
Label Wolf
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Have I Got the Blues for You is a good replication of classic female and jump blues from Dana Gillespie. Featuring a set of original material, Gillespie belts out big, brassy, bluesy songs with passion. While it occasionally treads a little too closely to parody and revivalism, Gillespie's powerhouse performance keeps things on track. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide
