Hummingbird

Label:Flying Sparks Records

Just when I was wondering how my lil’ friend Amy Wadge was doing…she suddenly appears as part of a new female trio Hummingbird, along with chanteuses Cathy Burton and Edwina Hayes. Now we know that putting three strong characters together CAN create fantastic music, whatever the genre. If there’s ever been a stronger debut album than ‘Crosby Stills & Nash’ I have yet to hear it (hell, it still sounds fantastic many years on) and the initially terse sessions by Mike Bloomfield, Dr John and John Hammond did produce ‘Triumvirate’ bringing the best out of all three.

What we can reasonably expect with ladies of this pedigree are some stunning harmonic efforts and here they are. Immediately the guitars weave and the voices mix as ‘Sing A Lullaby’ starts the set with its countryrock lilt. They eschew Dixie Chicks stridency for something altogether more subtle, witness the doubletime handclaps on the title track. Simplicity seem to the main aim, so that the voices can carry all.

I sense a deliberate decision to avoid standard MOR production, we are not taking the ‘Rumours’ route here. A conscious pitch at radio-friendly gentle rock can often spoil great songs – exactly what happened to the lovely Webb Sisters on their first album, all the character of the songs sacrificed to bland ‘obvious’ production (and I am sure they will come back sounding more like their tremendous ‘live’ selves). The way this set is recorded is very Bob Harris-friendly – that’s a recommendation, by the way – and all the colouring, such a organ and tambourine simply sound well..organic. This isn’t a record that will sound great at night – it’s the sound of a fresh Sunday morning, maybe the best since Sheryl Crow’s ‘Wildflower’. There are odd echoes of the sessions that Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris sporadically put together way back. But gentler.

Me being me, a favourite track here is the moodier ‘Everybody’s Fool’ which is as intense as we get here, response chorale and all – if you do this live, babes get a trumpeter to work the coda ?

The crew seem to have some festival dates lined up, nobody will be disappointed with a performance based on this album

Pete Sargeant FAIR HEARING

Hummingbird

Album:Tougher Than Love
Label:Flying Sparks Records

The power of three is a recognised phenomena. Three distinct recording talents, Amy Wadge, Cathy Burton and Edwina Hayes, have brought their unique slants on the art of the singer-songwriter to Hummingbird. The result is "Tougher Than Love" a strong album of songs that takes in acoustic pop, rock, blues and country as well as a few spots inbetween, yet still manges to hold it's self together as an album rather than a compilation of songs. The writing is strong, the performances, direct and positive. "Shine On" will be the first single, catchy with both hooks and an edge.

Fatea Records

Hummingbird - CD - Tougher Than Love

Rhythm & Booze

Be prepared for an update of all reference books and dictionaries; Hummingbird, I always thought, was a small exotic bird with high speed wing beats. Wrong! Clearly, the 21st century definition of Hummingbird should now simply read, 'Hummingbird : When three beautiful voices become one'.

I notice that since conception, and I don't use the term lightly coz this is indeed a natural born organic birth, one founder member, Rosalie Deighton, has been replaced by Cathy Burton. Cathy joins forces with Amy Wadge and Edwina Hayes and brings her gentle pop vocals to combine with Amy's more raunchy rocking-folk delivery and Edwina's distinctly country-folk style - together they take on the life and spirit of Hummingbird. 'Tougher Than Love', Hummingbird's debut album is sweet, sweet music; nu-country-folk that's absolutely perfectly proportioned and pitched just right for today's crazy, often fickle, music world. But don't bother getting out yer cowboy boots, Stetsons or frilly skirts and shirts - this aint that sort of country. 'Tougher Than Love' is a serene, intoxicating work of modern musical vision and genius that benefits greatly from its country overtones but retains genuine British acoustic folk passion and drive. Featuring eleven impressive songs, each sensitively arranged and instrumentally uncluttered to allow the pure vocals and exquisite harmonies to rightly take pride of place, 'Tougher Than Love' is musical sweetness and light of the highest calibre.

Hummingbird is actually the timely coming together of three very talented and well established recording artists into one very fresh and exciting musical act. Designed to chill and thrill (in the nicest possible way), Hummingbird reach parts that most modern artists simply can't get close to. For three such diversely targeted artists to come together as one takes not only guts but dedication and real commitment - and Hummingbird get it absolutely spot-on! 'Tougher Than Love' is an exceptional piece of contemporary music that captures the spirit of three quite different young ladies and brings them together as if they really were conceived from the same life giving 'seed'.

'Tougher Than Love' by Hummingbird is stunningly radio-friendly and once it hits the market-place I think you'll be hearing a lot of Hummingbird across the air-waves. Beautiful, invigorating, sensitive and uplifting - simply wonderful!

Peter J Brown aka toxic pete (www.toxicpete.co.uk)

(Rhythm & Booze rating 10)

CD Review by Elly Roberts

Taking their name from an Emmylou Harris guitar - Hummingbird, Amy Wadge, Cathy Burton and Edwina Hayes pool together their immense talents for their debut album. In late 2005 the trio decided to amalgam their collective songwriting – singing skills with Mighty Vibration production team ( who produced the no.1 album for Sandi Thom ) so the they’re in good hands– the results of which are quite dazzling.

Of the three, Amy Wadge is probably the best known, but almost takes a backseat in terms of musical contribution, penning only two songs here. Clearly happy with her role, Wadge and co masterfully blend contemporary roots music with gorgeous harmonies and melodies.

All three play delicious acoustic guitars along with mandolin and piano, giving cultured and sweet vocal contributions, unlike many of their pop contemporaries. There again, these aren’t Celeb seeking babes, just great singer-songwriters on top of their game. The press blurb boldly draws comparisons with The Indigo Girls, Dixie Chicks and legends Crosby Still Nash and Young. And rightly so, but it’s one hell of a reputation to live up to, and with a lot of luck, some savvy radio producer with pick up on them. This is perfect fodder for the eclectically minded BBC Radio 2. It would be a crying shame if their efforts weren’t recognised as this is a stylish and polished album. Lightweight but chirpy, a countrified ( a la Dolly Parton ), Sing A Lullaby, a lover’s lament, gives us the an indication of what’s to come further in - their close harmony is mind-blowing. In a similar Parton template, Tougher Than Love has all the hallmarks of a country gem, though neither are written by the trio. CSN&Y influences pop up on Shine On, a sparkling retro 70s folk -rocker, with it’s catchy hooks and playful chorus. Hayes gives her first self-penned contribution on the delightful I Want Your Love, proving she can mix it with outside writers Field / Thompson / Gilbert – songs 1,2,3,5. Wadge gets her say with Free Fall, taking the lead with her new chums backing her with tender nuances. Of the collection Everybody’s Fool has the most heart-rending lyrics, and the only semi-melancholic track, given added potency by swirling strings, though Too Lonely…. is a tad sombre, but has qualities of hope that never drag it down. All three write Hold Me, a shifting and stripped ballad that rounds-off a stunning debut.

The girls will tour for festivals this summer, including Glastonbury.

BRISTOL EVENING POST

SOLOISTS SING AS ONE

10:40 - 30 March 2007

Hummingbird: St Bonaventure's TAKE three girls, all with successful individual solo careers who have very different voices, come from different musical genres and have very different on-stage personalities. Put them together in a trio and what do you get? On paper, you get a potential recipe for disaster.

With Hummingbird, however, it all worked far better than anyone can have expected.

At times they sounded like one voice, then they would seamlessly branch off into gorgeous harmonies as tight as anything by Crosby Stills and Nash, particularly on I Want Your Love and the stunning and very poignant Pour Me A Drink.

The familiar face in Hummingbird is Amy Wadge, who was making a hometown appearance. Cathy Burton is from West Sussex while Edwina Hayes is from East Yorkshire.

Wadge is the rockier of the three, Cathy Burton is from a pop background and has a certain frailty to her voice but a quiet assuredness. Edwina Hayes is more folky with a voice that has real purity.

In the most part the songs that worked the best were inevitably those they had written as a trio, especially Sing A Lullaby and Tougher Than Love.

I did find that their sweet sound became a little overpowering but it was a mightily impressive and enjoyable performance from a trio whose potential was only too obvious.

KEITH CLARK

Cross Rhythms

Hummingbird – Tougher than love

STYLE: Pop/Folk
RATING 9

Reviewed by Trevor Raggatt

Hummingbird are a trio of well established singer-songwriters each worthy of serious attention in their own right but, as a group, they rise even above the sum of their already accomplished parts. Cathy Burton should already be familiar to Cross Rhythms readers, particularly as her three solo albums, Burn out, Speed your love and last year’s Silvertown each racked up 9 and 10 star reviews. Solo and with guitarist Dan Wheeler she’s also a regular on the Greenbelt, Spring Harvest and gig circuit. Here, though, she joins forces with Amy Wadge and Edwina Hayes to produce a shimmering, harmony-laden mix of folk, pop and country reminiscent of a female Crosby, Stills and Nash. Lead vocal duties are shared equally between the three and each contributes their own songs to the project, the remainder coming from the writing/production team behind Sandi Thom’s success.

The album ranges across the emotions from tender and melancholy to joyous and uplifting, particular highlights being a new version of Burton’s Everybody’s Fool, the meditative There but for the grace of God, Live your life laughing and title track, Tougher than love. That said, it’s genuinely difficult to single any song out above the others. Throughout the album the production is open and acoustically-based with guitar, piano, mandolin and double bass forming a perfect foil for the exquisitely blended harmony vocals. Tougher than Love may be a debut effort but the talent and experience of its members ensure that Hummingbird is one to watch.

FOLKING.COM

Hummingbird (with Lotte Mullan) - Telford's Warehouse, Chester

The evening began with a short set from a promising young singer/songwriter Lotte Mullan. Lotte’s appealing mix of blues and country exudes an inviting and relaxed ambience, and her unusual take on love songs was particularly rewarding -- "Record Collection" dealt not with the bitter emotions of a broken relationship, but concentrated instead on the gritty realities of dividing up a cherished record collection! Then there was Lotte’s astounding voice -- blessed with the most gorgeous, husky and sultry tones and sounding not unlike a young Bonnie Raitt. Lotte’s guitar playing was loose and ragged, adding much to the laid-back feel of her performance. Lotte Mullan -- definitely a name to look out for! Hummingbird are three talented singer-songwriters, who are all well established as solo artists; Cathy Burton, Edwina Hayes and Amy Wadge. The combination of these three formidable ladies creates a mighty musical force, divine harmonies, and a band that are just really good fun to listen to! Amy Wadge had an endearingly chaotic stage presence that the audience warmed to straight away. When Amy's chaotic energy was tamed and funnelled into the music, the result was an intensely passionate performance that really enthralled the audience. In complete contrast to Amy Wadge, is the delightfully demure Edwina Hayes, whose effortless and emotive vocals never fail to astound me with such utterly relentless beauty. To witness Edwina Hayes singing is akin to being heralded by the heavenliest angels, and tonight was no exception. At first, Cathy Burton appeared to be the sensible sister of the trio, though a number of quirky stories soon reveal her quietly crazier side! Cathy has a sweet but assured voice, and worked wonders with some exquisite harmony vocals tonight. Note-perfect, enchanting harmonies were in abundance tonight on a collection of songs that included a number of gems written by the ladies themselves. Edwina Hayes' sublime 'Pour Me A Drink' was a real highlight and Amy Wadge's excellent ode to the mundane working day, 'Freefall,' probably struck a chord with many in the audience -- well, it definitely did with me! The ladies all did a great job on guitar, and Amy Wadge's baritone ukulele was particularly enjoyable. Lively, chatty on-stage banter ensured a thoroughly engaging evening for the audience, and you got the impression that these ladies really enjoy working together. They closed their set with a soaring cover of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" -- confirmation, if it were needed, that these three really know how to bring out the best from a great song. Hummingbird's debut album Tougher Than Love will be released next month, and their captivating music is likely to be pouring forth from radio stations across the country.

NetRhythms.co.uk

Hummingbird - Tougher Than Love

Well now, here's an interesting one. Earlier this year I reviewed They Don't Make Mirrors Like They Used To, an advance copy of the ostensible debut album recorded by a partnership of singer-songwriters Amy Wadge, Edwina Hayes and Rosalie Deighton. However, somewhere between the trio's tour and the planned release date Deighton, for reasons undisclosed, decided she didn't want to continue with the project. The album was quietly binned and a new version recorded, this time with Christian scene artist Cathy Burton, all mention of Deighton disappearing from any blurb about the in a rewriting of history that would have done the Politburo proud. Whatever the behind the scenes truth may be, what you now have is a whole new album by the new incarnation, apparently having formed in late 2005, although, according to Wadge's web site, the previous line up were touring together in late 2006. Six of the tracks from the first version are retained for this, and, with the exception of Under The Apple Tree which has a completely different lead vocal, as far as I can tell, seem to be the same recordings, with Burton presumably replacing any of Deighton's harmonies. Which means you get the jaunty Live Your Life Laughing, the Southern folk soul of Sing A Lullaby, the hand percussion and soaring close harmonies to the CS&N-like Shine On, Hayes's soft folksy shuffle I Want Your Love and the wonderful accordion accompanied cascading twangy country nugget that is Free Fall.

Gone though are the original album's Sandi Thom title track, the two Deighton songs featuring (Honey, and the co-written Baggage) and the Parton-esque Pearls. In their place come the new title track, all handclaps, scuffed backbeat, circular 1-2-3 rhythm and gospel piano, Burton's bluesy, violin-flecked Everybody's Fool, and the trio penned backporch swayer Hold On with the violin again adding extra colours. Interestingly, the Christian rock scene provides the two strongest new numbers, both veined with social conscience protest. The Christ referencing Too Many Lonely People In The World, from Thom's writing partner Tom Gilbert, comes with a soaring chorus that once more summons thoughts of Dolly, while, conjuring comparisons to the early work of the Indigo Girls, the second is their gentle cover of Limerick singer-songwriter Don Mescall's protest number The Grace of God. The the sound production is vastly improved and clearer, it's redundant to argue whether it's better or stronger album than the original (especially as few ever heard it), but, the comparisons remaining in place, what is for certain is that it's a stunning (second) debut that, marking the trio out as the UK's answer to the Tanyas, fully deserves to find itself on the best of end of year lists.

David Kidman April 2007

‘Wears The Trousers’ review

Hummingbird - Tougher Than Love

Rating: **** ½
Length: 33:07
Producer: The Mighty Vibrations

Three is the magic number… a threefold cord is not easily broken… the power of three is a well proven principle, and with their debut album, Tougher Than Love, Hummingbird set out to re-confirm it. Debut it may be, but these are no wet behind the ears tyro artists. Rather, Hummingbird brings together three singers who are firmly established on the gig/festival circuit and each with solid recording career already under their belts. The band comprises diminutive Cardiff rocker, Amy Wadge, the gentle pop vocals of Cathy Burton and Edwina Hayes’ country-folk stylings. The combination produces a beguiling sound which suggests a blend of The Dixie Chicks, Indigo Girls, and Crosby Stills and Nash.

Production on the album is left in the capable hands of the Mighty Vibrations team who were behind the sounds on Sandy Thom’s album. While the ‘Birds provide four the songs between them, the remainder are penned by the producers with Thom contributing to the engaging Live Your Life Laughing. Where, personally, I found Thom’s album a little one-dimensional that isn’t a problem here. Another testament to the power of three! Lead vocals are shared out evenly between the Hummingbirds; adding a pleasant variation across the tracks while retaining enough commonality in the feel to avoid sounding like a compilation. Similarly, the four tracks contributed by the singers provide further contrast, reflecting each artist’s own particular muse but without breaking the mood.

The arrangements across the songs remain resolutely rootsy and acoustic-based. Strummed guitars, piano, Hammond and double bass provide a satisfyingly organic bed for the tracks with additional interest being provided by tastefully employed textures from mandolin, flute, harmonica and strings. The distinctive character of each singer’s voice, produces an exquisite blend of harmonies. Building on each other’s strengths the combination fills the frequencies and soothes the ears as Wadge’s earthy voice forms a musical foundation alongside Hayes’ gentle country sound, while Burton’s delicate tones provide a shimmer which elevates the sound to heavenly confection.

So strong are the songs presented here that it’s almost impossible to single out some above the others. Each catches the ears and the heart with a mixture of melancholy, tenderness and uplifting optimism. At any rate, two things are evident: this reviewer has found his favourite album of the year so far and, in the company of these songbirds, three certainly isn’t a crowd!

Trevor Raggatt


	Home News Mailing list Messages Biog Gallery Music Gigs Links Press Contact	Hummingbird Label:Flying Sparks Records Just when I was wondering how my lil’ friend Amy Wadge was doing…she suddenly appears as part of a new female trio Hummingbird, along with chanteuses Cathy Burton and Edwina Hayes. Now we know that putting three strong characters together CAN create fantastic music, whatever the genre. If there’s ever been a stronger debut album than ‘Crosby Stills & Nash’ I have yet to hear it (hell, it still sounds fantastic many years on) and the initially terse sessions by Mike Bloomfield, Dr John and John Hammond did produce ‘Triumvirate’ bringing the best out of all three. What we can reasonably expect with ladies of this pedigree are some stunning harmonic efforts and here they are. Immediately the guitars weave and the voices mix as ‘Sing A Lullaby’ starts the set with its countryrock lilt. They eschew Dixie Chicks stridency for something altogether more subtle, witness the doubletime handclaps on the title track. Simplicity seem to the main aim, so that the voices can carry all. I sense a deliberate decision to avoid standard MOR production, we are not taking the ‘Rumours’ route here. A conscious pitch at radio-friendly gentle rock can often spoil great songs – exactly what happened to the lovely Webb Sisters on their first album, all the character of the songs sacrificed to bland ‘obvious’ production (and I am sure they will come back sounding more like their tremendous ‘live’ selves). The way this set is recorded is very Bob Harris-friendly – that’s a recommendation, by the way – and all the colouring, such a organ and tambourine simply sound well..organic. This isn’t a record that will sound great at night – it’s the sound of a fresh Sunday morning, maybe the best since Sheryl Crow’s ‘Wildflower’. There are odd echoes of the sessions that Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris sporadically put together way back. But gentler. Me being me, a favourite track here is the moodier ‘Everybody’s Fool’ which is as intense as we get here, response chorale and all – if you do this live, babes get a trumpeter to work the coda ? The crew seem to have some festival dates lined up, nobody will be disappointed with a performance based on this album Pete Sargeant FAIR HEARING Hummingbird Album:Tougher Than Love Label:Flying Sparks Records The power of three is a recognised phenomena. Three distinct recording talents, Amy Wadge, Cathy Burton and Edwina Hayes, have brought their unique slants on the art of the singer-songwriter to Hummingbird. The result is "Tougher Than Love" a strong album of songs that takes in acoustic pop, rock, blues and country as well as a few spots inbetween, yet still manges to hold it's self together as an album rather than a compilation of songs. The writing is strong, the performances, direct and positive. "Shine On" will be the first single, catchy with both hooks and an edge. Fatea Records Hummingbird - CD - Tougher Than Love Rhythm & Booze Be prepared for an update of all reference books and dictionaries; Hummingbird, I always thought, was a small exotic bird with high speed wing beats. Wrong! Clearly, the 21st century definition of Hummingbird should now simply read, 'Hummingbird : When three beautiful voices become one'. I notice that since conception, and I don't use the term lightly coz this is indeed a natural born organic birth, one founder member, Rosalie Deighton, has been replaced by Cathy Burton. Cathy joins forces with Amy Wadge and Edwina Hayes and brings her gentle pop vocals to combine with Amy's more raunchy rocking-folk delivery and Edwina's distinctly country-folk style - together they take on the life and spirit of Hummingbird. 'Tougher Than Love', Hummingbird's debut album is sweet, sweet music; nu-country-folk that's absolutely perfectly proportioned and pitched just right for today's crazy, often fickle, music world. But don't bother getting out yer cowboy boots, Stetsons or frilly skirts and shirts - this aint that sort of country. 'Tougher Than Love' is a serene, intoxicating work of modern musical vision and genius that benefits greatly from its country overtones but retains genuine British acoustic folk passion and drive. Featuring eleven impressive songs, each sensitively arranged and instrumentally uncluttered to allow the pure vocals and exquisite harmonies to rightly take pride of place, 'Tougher Than Love' is musical sweetness and light of the highest calibre. Hummingbird is actually the timely coming together of three very talented and well established recording artists into one very fresh and exciting musical act. Designed to chill and thrill (in the nicest possible way), Hummingbird reach parts that most modern artists simply can't get close to. For three such diversely targeted artists to come together as one takes not only guts but dedication and real commitment - and Hummingbird get it absolutely spot-on! 'Tougher Than Love' is an exceptional piece of contemporary music that captures the spirit of three quite different young ladies and brings them together as if they really were conceived from the same life giving 'seed'. 'Tougher Than Love' by Hummingbird is stunningly radio-friendly and once it hits the market-place I think you'll be hearing a lot of Hummingbird across the air-waves. Beautiful, invigorating, sensitive and uplifting - simply wonderful! Peter J Brown aka toxic pete (www.toxicpete.co.uk) (Rhythm & Booze rating 10) CD Review by Elly Roberts Taking their name from an Emmylou Harris guitar - Hummingbird, Amy Wadge, Cathy Burton and Edwina Hayes pool together their immense talents for their debut album. In late 2005 the trio decided to amalgam their collective songwriting – singing skills with Mighty Vibration production team ( who produced the no.1 album for Sandi Thom ) so the they’re in good hands– the results of which are quite dazzling. Of the three, Amy Wadge is probably the best known, but almost takes a backseat in terms of musical contribution, penning only two songs here. Clearly happy with her role, Wadge and co masterfully blend contemporary roots music with gorgeous harmonies and melodies. All three play delicious acoustic guitars along with mandolin and piano, giving cultured and sweet vocal contributions, unlike many of their pop contemporaries. There again, these aren’t Celeb seeking babes, just great singer-songwriters on top of their game. The press blurb boldly draws comparisons with The Indigo Girls, Dixie Chicks and legends Crosby Still Nash and Young. And rightly so, but it’s one hell of a reputation to live up to, and with a lot of luck, some savvy radio producer with pick up on them. This is perfect fodder for the eclectically minded BBC Radio 2. It would be a crying shame if their efforts weren’t recognised as this is a stylish and polished album. Lightweight but chirpy, a countrified ( a la Dolly Parton ), Sing A Lullaby, a lover’s lament, gives us the an indication of what’s to come further in - their close harmony is mind-blowing. In a similar Parton template, Tougher Than Love has all the hallmarks of a country gem, though neither are written by the trio. CSN&Y influences pop up on Shine On, a sparkling retro 70s folk -rocker, with it’s catchy hooks and playful chorus. Hayes gives her first self-penned contribution on the delightful I Want Your Love, proving she can mix it with outside writers Field / Thompson / Gilbert – songs 1,2,3,5. Wadge gets her say with Free Fall, taking the lead with her new chums backing her with tender nuances. Of the collection Everybody’s Fool has the most heart-rending lyrics, and the only semi-melancholic track, given added potency by swirling strings, though Too Lonely…. is a tad sombre, but has qualities of hope that never drag it down. All three write Hold Me, a shifting and stripped ballad that rounds-off a stunning debut. The girls will tour for festivals this summer, including Glastonbury. BRISTOL EVENING POST SOLOISTS SING AS ONE 10:40 - 30 March 2007 Hummingbird: St Bonaventure's TAKE three girls, all with successful individual solo careers who have very different voices, come from different musical genres and have very different on-stage personalities. Put them together in a trio and what do you get? On paper, you get a potential recipe for disaster. With Hummingbird, however, it all worked far better than anyone can have expected. At times they sounded like one voice, then they would seamlessly branch off into gorgeous harmonies as tight as anything by Crosby Stills and Nash, particularly on I Want Your Love and the stunning and very poignant Pour Me A Drink. The familiar face in Hummingbird is Amy Wadge, who was making a hometown appearance. Cathy Burton is from West Sussex while Edwina Hayes is from East Yorkshire. Wadge is the rockier of the three, Cathy Burton is from a pop background and has a certain frailty to her voice but a quiet assuredness. Edwina Hayes is more folky with a voice that has real purity. In the most part the songs that worked the best were inevitably those they had written as a trio, especially Sing A Lullaby and Tougher Than Love. I did find that their sweet sound became a little overpowering but it was a mightily impressive and enjoyable performance from a trio whose potential was only too obvious. KEITH CLARK Cross Rhythms Hummingbird – Tougher than love STYLE: Pop/Folk RATING 9 Reviewed by Trevor Raggatt Hummingbird are a trio of well established singer-songwriters each worthy of serious attention in their own right but, as a group, they rise even above the sum of their already accomplished parts. Cathy Burton should already be familiar to Cross Rhythms readers, particularly as her three solo albums, Burn out, Speed your love and last year’s Silvertown each racked up 9 and 10 star reviews. Solo and with guitarist Dan Wheeler she’s also a regular on the Greenbelt, Spring Harvest and gig circuit. Here, though, she joins forces with Amy Wadge and Edwina Hayes to produce a shimmering, harmony-laden mix of folk, pop and country reminiscent of a female Crosby, Stills and Nash. Lead vocal duties are shared equally between the three and each contributes their own songs to the project, the remainder coming from the writing/production team behind Sandi Thom’s success. The album ranges across the emotions from tender and melancholy to joyous and uplifting, particular highlights being a new version of Burton’s Everybody’s Fool, the meditative There but for the grace of God, Live your life laughing and title track, Tougher than love. That said, it’s genuinely difficult to single any song out above the others. Throughout the album the production is open and acoustically-based with guitar, piano, mandolin and double bass forming a perfect foil for the exquisitely blended harmony vocals. Tougher than Love may be a debut effort but the talent and experience of its members ensure that Hummingbird is one to watch. FOLKING.COM Hummingbird (with Lotte Mullan) - Telford's Warehouse, Chester The evening began with a short set from a promising young singer/songwriter Lotte Mullan. Lotte’s appealing mix of blues and country exudes an inviting and relaxed ambience, and her unusual take on love songs was particularly rewarding -- "Record Collection" dealt not with the bitter emotions of a broken relationship, but concentrated instead on the gritty realities of dividing up a cherished record collection! Then there was Lotte’s astounding voice -- blessed with the most gorgeous, husky and sultry tones and sounding not unlike a young Bonnie Raitt. Lotte’s guitar playing was loose and ragged, adding much to the laid-back feel of her performance. Lotte Mullan -- definitely a name to look out for! Hummingbird are three talented singer-songwriters, who are all well established as solo artists; Cathy Burton, Edwina Hayes and Amy Wadge. The combination of these three formidable ladies creates a mighty musical force, divine harmonies, and a band that are just really good fun to listen to! Amy Wadge had an endearingly chaotic stage presence that the audience warmed to straight away. When Amy's chaotic energy was tamed and funnelled into the music, the result was an intensely passionate performance that really enthralled the audience. In complete contrast to Amy Wadge, is the delightfully demure Edwina Hayes, whose effortless and emotive vocals never fail to astound me with such utterly relentless beauty. To witness Edwina Hayes singing is akin to being heralded by the heavenliest angels, and tonight was no exception. At first, Cathy Burton appeared to be the sensible sister of the trio, though a number of quirky stories soon reveal her quietly crazier side! Cathy has a sweet but assured voice, and worked wonders with some exquisite harmony vocals tonight. Note-perfect, enchanting harmonies were in abundance tonight on a collection of songs that included a number of gems written by the ladies themselves. Edwina Hayes' sublime 'Pour Me A Drink' was a real highlight and Amy Wadge's excellent ode to the mundane working day, 'Freefall,' probably struck a chord with many in the audience -- well, it definitely did with me! The ladies all did a great job on guitar, and Amy Wadge's baritone ukulele was particularly enjoyable. Lively, chatty on-stage banter ensured a thoroughly engaging evening for the audience, and you got the impression that these ladies really enjoy working together. They closed their set with a soaring cover of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" -- confirmation, if it were needed, that these three really know how to bring out the best from a great song. Hummingbird's debut album Tougher Than Love will be released next month, and their captivating music is likely to be pouring forth from radio stations across the country. NetRhythms.co.uk Hummingbird - Tougher Than Love Well now, here's an interesting one. Earlier this year I reviewed They Don't Make Mirrors Like They Used To, an advance copy of the ostensible debut album recorded by a partnership of singer-songwriters Amy Wadge, Edwina Hayes and Rosalie Deighton. However, somewhere between the trio's tour and the planned release date Deighton, for reasons undisclosed, decided she didn't want to continue with the project. The album was quietly binned and a new version recorded, this time with Christian scene artist Cathy Burton, all mention of Deighton disappearing from any blurb about the in a rewriting of history that would have done the Politburo proud. Whatever the behind the scenes truth may be, what you now have is a whole new album by the new incarnation, apparently having formed in late 2005, although, according to Wadge's web site, the previous line up were touring together in late 2006. Six of the tracks from the first version are retained for this, and, with the exception of Under The Apple Tree which has a completely different lead vocal, as far as I can tell, seem to be the same recordings, with Burton presumably replacing any of Deighton's harmonies. Which means you get the jaunty Live Your Life Laughing, the Southern folk soul of Sing A Lullaby, the hand percussion and soaring close harmonies to the CS&N-like Shine On, Hayes's soft folksy shuffle I Want Your Love and the wonderful accordion accompanied cascading twangy country nugget that is Free Fall. Gone though are the original album's Sandi Thom title track, the two Deighton songs featuring (Honey, and the co-written Baggage) and the Parton-esque Pearls. In their place come the new title track, all handclaps, scuffed backbeat, circular 1-2-3 rhythm and gospel piano, Burton's bluesy, violin-flecked Everybody's Fool, and the trio penned backporch swayer Hold On with the violin again adding extra colours. Interestingly, the Christian rock scene provides the two strongest new numbers, both veined with social conscience protest. The Christ referencing Too Many Lonely People In The World, from Thom's writing partner Tom Gilbert, comes with a soaring chorus that once more summons thoughts of Dolly, while, conjuring comparisons to the early work of the Indigo Girls, the second is their gentle cover of Limerick singer-songwriter Don Mescall's protest number The Grace of God. The the sound production is vastly improved and clearer, it's redundant to argue whether it's better or stronger album than the original (especially as few ever heard it), but, the comparisons remaining in place, what is for certain is that it's a stunning (second) debut that, marking the trio out as the UK's answer to the Tanyas, fully deserves to find itself on the best of end of year lists. David Kidman April 2007 ‘Wears The Trousers’ review Hummingbird - Tougher Than Love Rating: **** ½ Length: 33:07 Producer: The Mighty Vibrations Three is the magic number… a threefold cord is not easily broken… the power of three is a well proven principle, and with their debut album, Tougher Than Love, Hummingbird set out to re-confirm it. Debut it may be, but these are no wet behind the ears tyro artists. Rather, Hummingbird brings together three singers who are firmly established on the gig/festival circuit and each with solid recording career already under their belts. The band comprises diminutive Cardiff rocker, Amy Wadge, the gentle pop vocals of Cathy Burton and Edwina Hayes’ country-folk stylings. The combination produces a beguiling sound which suggests a blend of The Dixie Chicks, Indigo Girls, and Crosby Stills and Nash. Production on the album is left in the capable hands of the Mighty Vibrations team who were behind the sounds on Sandy Thom’s album. While the ‘Birds provide four the songs between them, the remainder are penned by the producers with Thom contributing to the engaging Live Your Life Laughing. Where, personally, I found Thom’s album a little one-dimensional that isn’t a problem here. Another testament to the power of three! Lead vocals are shared out evenly between the Hummingbirds; adding a pleasant variation across the tracks while retaining enough commonality in the feel to avoid sounding like a compilation. Similarly, the four tracks contributed by the singers provide further contrast, reflecting each artist’s own particular muse but without breaking the mood. The arrangements across the songs remain resolutely rootsy and acoustic-based. Strummed guitars, piano, Hammond and double bass provide a satisfyingly organic bed for the tracks with additional interest being provided by tastefully employed textures from mandolin, flute, harmonica and strings. The distinctive character of each singer’s voice, produces an exquisite blend of harmonies. Building on each other’s strengths the combination fills the frequencies and soothes the ears as Wadge’s earthy voice forms a musical foundation alongside Hayes’ gentle country sound, while Burton’s delicate tones provide a shimmer which elevates the sound to heavenly confection. So strong are the songs presented here that it’s almost impossible to single out some above the others. Each catches the ears and the heart with a mixture of melancholy, tenderness and uplifting optimism. At any rate, two things are evident: this reviewer has found his favourite album of the year so far and, in the company of these songbirds, three certainly isn’t a crowd! Trevor Raggatt