Jodie Marie has released her eagerly-awaited third studio album The Answer – her first LP in over five years. The record has notched an early clutch of glowing reviews, with Kevin McGrath of New Sound Wales calling it “…a stunning success, a stirring soul album, deeply enriched with emotion as all the very best soul records are.”
My new album, The Answer, is OUT NOW! I’m so proud of this album!Thank you all for your continued support & patience! So many incredible people helped make this record happen! I’ll list you all later! Link in bio to purchase physical copy, or it’s also available on all platforms pic.twitter.com/7moJopJQRy
— Jodie Marie (@JodieMarieMusic) February 12, 2021
The Answer has already spawned two excellent singles: Carageen and This House, which was released last week. Carageen – a dulcet folk-pop ballad co-written with former Mercury Prize nominee Ed Harcourt – saw Marie channel the gently melodic acoustic feel you might associate with Norah Jones at the peak of her powers. This House moves in a different sonic direction altogether; channelling a sultry, bluesy rock ‘n’ roll feel that lies somewhere between Janis Joplin and Lenny Kravitz.
The new record was recorded at the former Carmel Welsh Baptist Chapel in Clarbeston, which Marie and her partner (and producer) Owain Fleetwood bought and converted into a studio in 2017. The singer told local paper the Tenby Observer that the atmosphere of the venue – and its links to the proud musical heritage associated with Welsh non-conformism – had inspired her songwriting. She said “A chapel is built for singing in. I’m not religious, but there’s something in the air here. Whatever it is, it makes you more reactive and inspired. It makes making music feel beautiful and worthwhile, as it should be.”
Jodie Marie’s career over the last decade has been punctuated by highs and lows. By the end of 2012, the singer had been snapped up by the iconic Decca Records; released an acclaimed debut album (Mountain Echo) under the tutelage of Suede guitar maestro Bernard Butler; and been hailed as “folk-pop sensation” in The Independent. However, within just a few years she had been dropped by her label and forced to go back to scratch in her native West Wales. One consistent feature of the twenty-nine year old’s ventures to date (in both good and more challenging times) has been the exceptional music. From the country-pop charm of 2011’s Single Blank Canvas, to masterful 2015 soul ballad If We Try and Tamla-tinged 2019 festive number (I Don’t Wanna Be) Alone This Christmas, Marie has proven herself to be a gifted vocalist, musician and songwriter.
The Pembrokeshire product returned to the stage last month with a livestreamed gig at The Queens Hall in Narberth. Speaking to the Pembroke & Pembroke Dock Observer ahead of the show, which formed part of the BBC Wales/Horizons nationwide ‘Tour of Wales‘ for Independent Venue Week 2021: Marie said: “It feels so special to be able to get back on that stage and perform.” The singer will perform another virtual gig at The Queens Hall next Friday (19th February).
