Diana Obscura
Country of origin:
U.S.
Type of music generally:
I would best describe her as a mix of evocative/eclectic with folk and ambient thrown in. (Anachro1@pacbell.net)
Status:
Most recent release, Breath of Nigh (Live at Solomon Projects) (with David Young, 2005)
See also:
Diana Obscura's Facebook page
Comparisons:
Caroline Lavelle-meets-Buffy St. Marie-meets-Katell Keineg. (Anachro1@pacbell.net)
Covers/own material:
Own, versions of early music and traditional songs
General comments:
Her minimalist style best displays that wonderful, if a bit raw, voice. Of course, she's got this 'Celtic thang' going on, which is sort of the trend these days, but it doesn't diminish her sound.
I was immediately reminded of Caroline Lavelle-meets-Buffy St. Marie-meets-Katell Keineg, although Diana's voice is less captivating. Once she learns to control her voice a bit (there were some slightly shrill moments, but not too bad, really) I think she will blossom as an artist. I did notice that she needs to practice 'breath control'; I think that improper breathing weakens her voice in moments when she needs to come across as less 'airy' in her interpretations.
I personally think that she should either take lessons for that rather unflattering recorder she is attempting to play or simply throw it away. It was the only unpleasant thing I found on this disc. Annoying, actually. In listening to her voice, I get the impression that she might want to explore the blues; I think her octave range (particularly as it counterpoints against her use of the cello, an instrument which, in my opinion, can do no wrong) suggests that her 'heart' lies in the lower register of her voice, which appears to be her strongest gift. (Anachro1@pacbell.net)
Recommended first album:
Diana Obscura is the only one we've heard
Recordings:
- Diana Obscura (2000)
- Breath of Nigh (Live at Solomon Projects) (with David Young, 2005)
Diana Obscura
Release info:
2000—self-released
Availability:
Mailorder or CDBaby
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Group members:
Diana Obscura—cello, voices, recorder
Guest artists:
Joseph Budenholzer—guitar, tambourine
Chandler Rentz (The Changelings)—drums, bass guitar, tambourine, director of Devil's retinue
Comments:
I would buy this record if I had heard it in a store. I know that it's something I'll be playing over & over for a while, which, judging from my listening patterns, is a good sign. (Anachro1@pacbell.net)
Further info:
Write: Post Office box 5554, Atlanta, GA 31107, email diana@dianaobscura.com
Thanks to Ricardo for his work on this entry.
