Norma Winstone's 'A Timeless Place' Album Reviewed

Norma Winstone's "A Timeless Place," a previously unreleased 1990 recording featuring the NDR Radio Orchestra, has been released and reviewed. The album captures the English vocalist and lyricist at a point in her career where her distinctive storytelling and improvisational talents were already well-established. Winstone, who celebrated her 80th birthday in 2021, has maintained her captivating vocal quality over a career spanning 60 years, earning accolades from peers and fans, including an MBE.

The release of "A Timeless Place" offers listeners a glimpse into Winstone's artistry with a large ensemble. The title track is noted for its connection to "The Peacocks," a tune by pianist Jimmy Rowles, for which Winstone penned lyrics. Her lyrical themes often explore nuanced emotions, such as "glimpsed happiness, missed chances and the sounds and colours of emotions," as exemplified by the line "I’m drowning now, slowly sinking in a sea of blue and green." The review highlights Winstone's ability to imbue words with shifting implications through her "lustrous low sounds and vaulting octave leaps."

ECM Records boss Manfred Eicher, known for his minimalist approach to new music production, has previously praised Winstone's unique perspective, stating, "She hears things differently, and tells us about them in her own quiet way." This sentiment underscores the intimate and confiding nature of Winstone's performances, which have proven to have a "soft power" despite the potential for such delicate artistry to be overshadowed in a more chaotic soundscape. The album's release is seen as a significant addition to her discography, showcasing her enduring talent.