Review: Drawn To All Things

The Sunday Times

Chris Davis

Only Ian Shaw would have the audacity to assemble a CD's worth of Joni Mitchell songs. Her fans may be divided about this one. Certainly, Shaw's rococo delivery takes some getting used to, especially given that Mitchell's wordplay is complicated enough on its own. After three or four plays, though, the feathery vocals and the pop poetry seem a much better match. Shaw receives excellent support from a cast of British musicians that includes co-arranger and pianist Janette Mason. Mitchell would surely be intrigued.