Naomi Ferguson

"Christchurch audiences will be delighted to see the release of this debut album by local singer Naomi Ferguson. She has gigged with the Christchurch Symphony and most of the finest jazz players in the city and the natural progression is this album.

Ferguson's voice is addictive and there are tracks here that I just can't get out of my head, like the understated "Ode to Billy Joe” and the plangent "I Don't Want to Hear it Anymore”. She is the absolute master of the soulful ballad and her voice is one of the most character-filled I have heard coming out of New Zealand in recent years. Her technique is flawless and she approaches each song with a genuine love, savouring every line with carefully placed diction and a teasing edge to her tone. It's all beautiful stuff.

Stylistically, the songs range from a laid back "Spanish Harlem” to "The Way You Make Me Feel”, both of which are competent and extremely listenable but by no means the best tracks on the album. I really love her renditions of "La Vie en Rose”, "Love Letters” and "Seasons of Love” but "Always on My Mind” eclipses every version I know (I don't claim to know them all). When the final track finishes (a pensive "At Last”) I find myself reaching for the repeat play button, such is the interest Ferguson brings to these songs.

With production by Malcolm McNeill and support from the likes of Tom Rainey, Stu Buchanan, Keith Petch, Harry Harrison et al it's all very soundly put together and stylishly presented. The arrangements do a lot with small forces.

My advice is to hear it for yourself as this is one of the best voices around and you, too, will become an addict."
- Patrick Shepherd (The Press) 25/02/06 (four stars)

"For sheer professionalism, passion and power, Naomi Ferguson rocked...”
- Christchurch Star 12/10/05

"With the look, the voice, and the stage presence, Naomi Ferguson places her inimitable stamp on any song she performs.”
- The Press 31/07/05