Naomi Lewis always had a strong attachment to nature and the outdoors, sensibilities and influences that are strongly present in her special kind of folk, that may be called bucolic. Growing up on a ranch just north of Las Vegas seemed to provide Naomi with a unique sensitivity which is present in all her compositions. Part of the 70’s folk movement, her two albums soon became praised as crucial for the privately-issued folk made during the 70’s.
Lewis never shied away from citing her inspirations, women musicians that captivated her like Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins and Joan Baez, while maintaining her independent spirit and pure artistry that evokes dreamscapes in the listener. Naomi was brought up on a musical home, both parents liked classical and country which ignited her passion for music, and she soon became adept at singing, an art she learnt and perfected in the church choir. Despite thinking her voice was not so good, Naomi persisted and became fascinated by the art of songwriting. She later started playing the guitar and became a master at writing songs mostly composed of verses and choruses.
Over time, Naomi gained many fans and supporters and managed to record in 1975, her first album called “Cottage Songs”, a very bucolic album that shows Naomi’s attachment and love of living in harmony with nature. Later the next year, in 1976, Naomi released “Seagulls and Sunflowers” which retains the same bucolic folk veins as its predecessor. However, Naomi soon became disappointed with the whole distribution and selling of her records, because she was used to offering her records and the process of selling them left her cold and disenchanted. Still, Naomi recalls that time fondly as one of cooperation and true musical harmony.
(This short text was written based on Numero Group’s fabulous story on this singer songwriter, since there is not much information about Naomi Lewis online.
https://numerogroup.com/blogs/stories/naomi-lewis-gonna-find-me-a-rainbow)
E ainda:
Adam and the Ants – Kings of the wild frontier
The second album by the british new wave band. Infectious hooks and a whole lot of flamboyancy and a whole lot of theatrics make this one hell of an influential album from the 80’s. With Adam’s signature Burundi drumbeats, the songs are catchy and clever in equal measure. An essential new wave album and a fun ride back to the 80’s.
Les Filles de Illighadad – At pioneer works
Hypnotic and trancelike tuareg rock from a strong female ensamble. It combines modernity with the tradicional with mesmerizing melodies that often break in repetitions that make it all the more charming.
The group was born in Illighadad, a small village in central Niger. The band’s leader Fatou Seidi Ghali who holds the distinction of being the first female tuareg guitar player.
An absolutely beautiful album.
