Mim Grey - Chasing Tigers

by Lisa Torem

published: 13 / 11 / 2012

Label: Right Track Records
Format: CD

Poignantly evocative second album from British-based singer and guitarist, Mim Grey

Review

She has worked with Paul McCartney, Tom Jones and Lee Cabrera after having left high school at only 15. After her parents suffered a divorce, she moved in with her brothers, Paul and John Williams. It was Paul who found one of Mim’s recordings and encouraged her to pursue a musical career, but, sadly, he died six years later from cancer. The devastated sibling tried to stay afloat but it was only when she met lyricist Cori Josias, on a flight that she got her muse back. Another vital force in her life, Steve Vitner, encouraged her to start recording seriously once more. Soon she was discovered by Derek Bramble and Rob Chiarelli, who produced her debut, 'Grey Matters'. Now Grey presents her follow-up, 'Chasing Tigers'. With Cori Josias writing the evocative lyrics, Grey can concentrate on making her voice as demonstrative as possible. The songs are transformational. ‘Traveling Star’ starts off the sojourn. Her wistful, grainy voice comes alive in this coming-of-age ballad about “kissing boys and then be telling tales, a kind of education.” Compelling bass and full-bodied guitar make the lyrics more telling when she sings: “I’m on a silver cloud, way more than okay.” ‘Chasing That Tiger’ is also poignant. “The tank is close to empty/She’s pulling up her head. The radio is playing me 'Carry Me Home' and she’s been chasing the tiger…” It’s a bittersweet song about a woman whose dreamy reflections and hard work have left her a restless soul - “She’s been running so high she’s like a smoking gun…” ‘Don’t Drop That Bomb’ is a battleground for tough love. “Lay your weapons down and wrap your arms around me…don’t drop that bomb ‘cause you won’t win that war," she pleads with her lover and the ferocity rings true. ‘Mr. Big Man’ is an amazingly authentic blues song, which feels like it could have been written by a New Orleans jazz musician. The song speaks to the duo’s incredible songwriting talents. ‘Chesapeake Bay’ features delicate guitar and keys. The intro provides a stunning framework for this story about an awkward girl who adores a sacred place. She sings of “beaches and bars and endless sky.” This song is full of spectacular imagery. ‘Lazy Daisy’ is about a strong, female bonding, which takes place over some fine Southern cooking. Grey’s phrasing is delightful. Light keyboards and easygoing guitar make it more solid. In ‘Carry Me Home,’ self-doubts are expressed: “Where to now?/I’m going blind as I search the cold horizon in my mind.” “I was a castaway waiting on the shore, but I don’t want to wait anymore…” Grey tells the story with total conviction. ‘Little Piece of Glass’ which is about surviving a destructive relationship is the most haunting number. ‘Blue Dress,’ “covered in black lace,” finds a young woman on the prowl at the height of her femininity. It is a beautiful song about finding true love. ‘The Ways of Love,’ is bouncy and recalls Norah Jones. The album closes with ‘Miles From Somewhere,’ a lovely, but more serious ballad than some of the rest. In every way, “Chasing Tigers” is a stunner.

Track Listing:-

1 Travelling Star
2 Chasing That Tiger
3 Don't Drop That Bomb
4 Mr Big Man
5 Chesapeake Bay
6 Lazy Daisy
7 Carry Me Home
8 Little Piece of Glass
9 Blue Dress
10 Melting
11 The Ways of Love
12 Miles from Somewhere