a s c l o s e t o p u r i t y

One of the most incredibly talented voices I have ever had the pleasure of hearing live on a handful of occasions, Renee Geyer equates and epitomises the simplicity of God-given vocal talent. It's always hard trying to describe atmosphere in a textual sense for others to appreciate, so you'll understand why I won't even try to describe for you the full-on choke-me-up soul atmosphere Renee Geyer has the ability to produce with her vocals. However I will say, her performance at the "Basement" in Sydney, Australia which was later released as the album "Live at the Basement" in 1986, was one of the ultimate live vocal performances I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing.

In the earlier stages of her career she was perhaps more aligned with rhythm & blues than with quintessential soul music, nevertheless the scope for this Australian talent to transcend the boundaries of both genres is infinitely possible. Though for me the "soul quality" of Renee Geyer, comes through loud and expertly clear, in the track "Heaven (The Closest I'll Get)" from the 1999 (Mushroom) album "Sweet Life" which doubled in some countries as "The Best of Renee Geyer 1973-1998".

As a veteran of twenty plus albums since 1972, Geyer continually amazes the aural senses with her raspy Dusty Springfield-like and sometimes melancholic vocal range. But her vocal skills are not limited to soulful ballads alone as she knows how to and does, with spectacular deliverance, lend her sophisticated out-pouring to soft rock, bluesy tunes and country folk classics. A notable example being her cover of the song “Crazy”, written by Willie Nelson and popularised by country artist Patsy Cline. (The Definitive Collection 1973-1998) which I would recommend for listening, not for comparison but rather as a stand-alone version.

Whether before during or after now Renee Geyer is without doubt a soul queen the likes of which Australasia has not yet seen again. At the heart of the music Renee Geyer brings forth is unadulterated soul, a soul which for me is as close to vocal purity as one could hope to hear.

Sweet Life
1999 Mushroom

1. Best Times (expired)
2. Heaven (The Closest I'll Get) (expired)
3. You Broke a Beautiful Thing
4. I'm Gonna Make You Love Me.
5. From Now On
6. Play Me
7. Knowing You Were Loved
8. Cake and the Candle
9. Don't Be So Sad
10. Killer Lover (expired)
11. My Back Room

Official website: www.reneegeyer.com.au