This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Singer songwriter Suzanne Joubert who is currently living in Ballycotton in Co Cork ‘Come on Home’ is the debut disc from South African born, but Ireland based singer/songwriter Suzanne Joubert; since 2004 she has been recording and performing live with Declan Sinnott (renowned producer of Sinead Lohan and Mary Black) - the results of this partnership are evident in this melodic and accessible album. Known for his polished, but sensitive and empathetic work, his production style proves to be the perfect vehicle for Joubert’s silky-smooth voice as the songs have strong melodies and hooks, but also decently crafted lyrics.The confidence and ease on display on this album are what distinguishes it from many debut discs – the songs are assured and convincing, the arrangements thoughtful, and the overall feel is that this is a collection of songs that have not been pressed or rushed but that have had time to develop into the 11 songs presented here.
Suzanne plays acoustic guitars on many of the tracks, but as you’d expect with a seasoned producer on hand, most of the varied instrumentation is provided by Sinnott. Highlights include the excellent ‘Second Floor’, the dreamy ‘Sunday Afternoon’ and the strong final song ‘Home’. The overall feel of the disc is quite soft and it’s an album that is intentionally easy to listen to and enjoy – the vocals and melodies are excellent and the considered arrangements provide the perfect backdrop to some memorable songs.
Suzanne Joubert is a South African born singer-songwriter who moved from Cape Town to Ireland in 2004 and has since been recording and performing live with legendary musician and producer Declan Sinnott. During the past year, Suzanne and Declan have performed at numerous well-know music venues throughout Ireland, as well as appearing at the Cork Folk festival last year.
Suzanne's debut album, Come on home, has been well received by critics and listeners alike. The songs Sunday Afternoon, You and No Guarantee have already received extensive airplay. Come on home was recorded in a small music room in Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa and in Declan's studios in Kilkenny and Cork, Ireland. Sarah McQuaid - Evening Herald.
South African singer/songwriter Suzanne Joubert .. has become the latest protegè of musician and producer Declan Sinnott. More so than with any of his previous finds (who include Sinead Lohan, Mary Black and John Spillane amongst others), it's a true gelling of styles: Joubert's smooth, silky voice is a perfect foil for Sinnott's polished production.In addition to singing harmony vocals, Sinnott duets with Joubert on the arresting 'No Guarantee', a musical dialogue between a man jilted for misbehaving once too often and the wary ex-partner he's trying to win back.
Songwriters come in two categories. The majority design songs deliberately for the short-term popular marketplace. Then, there is a more rare band of perceptive and incisive writers, original artists who craft lyrics and melody lines into timeless art; grappling with life, love, and the eternal truths of human existence.
When genuine artistic innovation is as attractive and readily accessible as the songs of South African-born, Irish-based writer Suzanne Joubert, it is indeed rare and special. Suzanne Joubert's creative flair is matched by her natural talent as a singer. The 11 self-penned tracks on her debut album "Come On Home" comprise a gorgeous and exciting new collection; produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by leading Irish producer Declan Sinnott. "She writes from the inside out, seducing the listener into following the voice and music to the core of the song. Her voice is warm, sensuous, understated and emotive, without being overly dramatic."
Words by Paul Dromey - Arts critic for the Irish Examiner and Evening Echo.
"Suzanne Joubert is a South African singer with a soft, smooth, velvety voice who is about to dive into a love affair with the Irish public on the release of her first album. Produced by Declan Sinnott, a producer who has launched the careers of Sinèad Lohan, Mary Black, John Spillane etc. Suzanne's album promises to win the hearts of the people of Ireland, a country she has taken to like a duck to water. I wish her every success." John Spillane, Cork, August 2005.
"Suzanne's influences are contemporary folk music and to a lesser exent, jazz. She writes from the inside out, seducing the listener into following the voice and music to the core of the song. Her voice is warm, sensusous, understated and emotive."
The Irish Examiner.
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