WE'LL SHIP WHEN IT'S BACK IN STOCK

Album Notes

Sue Merchant is an English singer songwriter and musician. She is especially known for her sincere crafting of songs and her pure and unguarded vocal delivery, which communicates an elegance and directness that resonates with both intimacy and candour. Inspired by real people and actual events and impassioned in her most formative years by such icons as Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen; it’s perhaps no surprise that remnants of such powerful early influences are still reflected in Sue's song writing today. Achieving recognition in the music industry in 2006 with her critically acclaimed and Award winning composition Fool ; industry credits include 1st Place Honours BRIT Trust International Song writing Contest 2006. Honours List recipient in Billboard's World Song writing Contest of 2006. 1st Place Honours Stonewall Society Pride in the Arts Award 2007 and formal Accreditation by the World Music Foundation for 'Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting'. At her most proactive in the 80's, Sue withdrew from the music scene following a series of personal tragedies. The Artist's re-emergence in 2006 saw the authorised release of her master demo disc, Fool and the release of her first commercial album, Reflections from the Edge - Part 1 in 2009.

* The genre, 'New Folk' refers to the music of folk artists who, partly inspired by Bob Dylan's, shift away from political songwriting, moved away from the activist, protester set and started writing about personal experiences and daily life. 'New Folk' encompasses those who approach their acoustic - orientated music as personal, heartfelt expression.

“Although her music definitely falls into the folk category, singer songwriter Sue Merchant more closely recalls the after-dark broodiness of indie goddess Nico than her reported influences of Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez. Like Nico, Merchant takes you on a sombre journey, one that is coloured by the spectre of death and romantic loss. It’s not easy listening to music this raw and emotional. When Merchant sings, “A photograph of you hung in my dreams,” on “Virginia in the Fall,” you can feel the slow beat of a longing heart. Merchant is a poet, but not just with her words. Her singing itself, weaves its own black magic and you are compelled to listen to her words. Her guitar playing, sparse and intimate, paints vivid images. On the title track, Merchant haunts the ears with both her lyrics of regret and her downbeat, melancholic voice. Without any false sentimentalism or cliched lyrics, Merchant makes us weep. As with the best Leonard Cohen records, it’s the type of song that you listen to with the curtains closed. There’s a saturation of singer songwriters these days, especially here in the U.K. But Merchant easily separates herself from the pack with genuine talent and sincere artistry.
Our Rating 9/10 Adam Harrington/Whisperin & Hollerin”

"Merchant's original song composition 'Fool' demonstrates the talent and dedication it takes to write a 'Hit Song' "
Billboard

"An acoustic folk masterpiece from an Artist who pulls no punches"
Keith 'MuzikMan' Hannaleck

"A sensitivity way beyond pop ear candy and pandering"
Jeff Severson/CBS Records

"Beautiful and Haunting melodies"
Eaton Music Publishing

"Merchant has a voice that can grab hold of you and make you feel"
Collected Sounds

"The title, 'Fool' doesnt begin to capture the dimensions in this lyric. Merchant is clearly an excellent writer"
Great American Song

© DMD & CD: Reflections from the Edge - Part 1 - Sue Merchant 2006 - 2010 Hon. DipMus. All Rights Reserved. PRS CAE 593311353. Words & Music by Sue Merchant Lead Vocals/Acoustic Guitar. Backing Credits: Viv Lynham: Soprano Counter/Harmony Vocals. Chris Sampson: Cello. Nigel Smith: Piano/Keyboards. Mark Barnwell: Classical Guitar. Martin Selwood: Keyboards. Chris Foden: Elec'/Acoustic/Classical Guitar. Olly Winters Owen: Piano/Keyboards. Danny Corrick: Percussion.

© All Releases: Sue Merchant 2006 - 2012 Hon. DipMus. All Rights Reserved. PRS CAE 593311353. Words & Music by Sue Merchant Lead Vocals/Acoustic Guitar. Backing Credits: Viv Lynham: Soprano Counter/Harmony Vocals Chris Sampson: Cello Nigel Smith: Piano/Keyboards Mark Barnwell: Classical Guitar Martin Selwood: Keyboards Chris Foden: Elec'/Acoustic/Classical/Bass Guitar Olly Winters Owen: Piano/Keyboards Dawn Walters: Piano/Harmony Vocals Danny Corrick: Percussion