 Susan Raven, singer and songwriter, is a 21st Century troubadour with a rich and haunting voice. Her highly-acclaimed debut album, Glittering Cities, is a cinematic journey from start to finish, an emotion-fired collection of majestic songcraft with strong vocal performances that fall somewhere between Sinead O'Connor and the Cranberries. The arrangements soar, ranging from multi-layered synth programs over dance grooves through to a pure acoustic and orchestral approach. Ethereal instrumentation and inspired performances from, among others, David Rhodes from Peter Gabriel's band, Hilaire Penda from Salif Keita's band, Liam Genockey, recently of Steeleye Span, and Steffe Sharpstrings from Gong, perfectly establish the sonic aura around her thought-provoking lyrics, which reflect her interest in all things mystical and esoteric deriving from the traditions of both East and West.
Susan released her new album, called 'Ravensong', in March 2007 - visit her web site (see Links section) for previews and info!
Susan Raven: "I write all my songs on a vintage Martin 12-string guitar. It is an entire band in one instrument, the harmonics and drones that spin out from the strumming suggest many of the overdubs that follow. I take a song and hone it until the base-metal turns to gold. I write lyrics to trigger emotions, memories and inspiration in people and as my craft has matured, so a strong individual sound has emerged. My music has been variously described as Cosmic World Fusion, Space Rock and Ethno-Pop."
From the AllMusicGuide.com review of Glittering Cities: "Susan Raven's debut album, Glittering Cities, is transcendent. Though the spiritual theme of the music may not appeal to everyone's taste, the excellence of production and exquisite melding of the instrumentals and vocals will. Raven's voice is gorgeous, and her original compositions are moving and insightful. All cuts are technically excellent. While some may be less lyrically detailed, as with the somewhat simplistic command of "Stack Your Guns," others sail and soar. The title song is a lucid and vibrant example of Raven's total production -- ethereal, shimmering, and visionary...."
CDBaby.com: "Majestic songcraft bolstered by a strong vocal performance from Susan Raven; the scope of the music is reminiscent of Peter Gabriel’s ambitious catalog - a beautiful album."
MusicDish Industry e-Journal: "Susan Raven is a singer/songwriter with a distinctive vocal tone and style, that has the ability to change the face of popular music forever. I spend endless hours listening to music that sounds exactly the same as the previous. Singers who all sound like they spent half of their lives copying all of those who came before them. Susan Raven is one of those who chose to take what God gave her and make something original and beautiful out of it. Her voice is so real and full of emotion that I found it hard to get past that aspect of her music. Once I did, I found a passion and truth that I haven't heard in a long time. Susan's music spoke to me in a way that I find hard to describe. I can't remember when I heard music that was this powerful and this well written...."
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