Vanessa Mae

[I-H-F]

I came across a few videos of Vanessa's on You Tube, and I like what I hear so far.

Can anyone recommend an album of her's to get me started?

[nicola]

I LOVE Vanessa-Mae. It really depends on your taste as her albums can vary. If you like the whole violin+techno go for 'Subject To Change', but if you don't like the dance influence, go for 'Choreography'. For the good 'ole inbetween, go for 'Storm'.

Best song ever of Vanessa's? 'I'm A-Doun For Lack O' Johnnie (A Little Scottish Fantasy)' long title, I know.

[Link removed for copyright reasons- Roger]

I would simply recommend 'The Best of Vanessa-Mae' album, but it was released before her excellent Choreography, which is a shame.

I'm going to see her in July. It's not often she does live shows, least of all in the UK. <3

[martindn]

I have seen her lve a couple of times some years ago, but have rather lost touch recently. So I only have her first three albums. But her performance of Bruch's Scottish Fantasy I love, and also her debut album which might be a bit poppy for some tastes. I think I need to catch up with her again. In the early days her style was somewhat "robotic" but nonetheless technically brilliant

Martin

[nicola]

I think Choreography is probably her best album to date, but she hasn't released anything since (it was released in 2004!) I'm hopeful that recent activity means she is recording a new album. She needs to get back before some other violinist steals her thunder and audience (did you notice Sue Son on Britain's Got Talent was made up to be her replica, looks and style?)

I do know of a better violinist who is completely different to anyone else, but I don't think I could recommend her as only one of her albums is solely violin - her other albums are industrial. But if anyone is interested, get an album called 'Laced/Unlaced' by Emilie Autumn. It's a two disc album, 'Laced' is a purely classical CD, many compositions her own, and the 'Unlaced' disc are her own compositions on the electric violin. One of my favourite albums.



Laced/Unlaced on Amazon

Her cds are expensive because she's an independent artist - records her own stuff and distributes the CDs herself. Much like Hayley did in the early days.

[nicola]

After seeing Vanessa-Mae live in concert, my... err... fandom has gone down somewhat. She not only made errors, which could be forgiven, but she did little else other than strutting and looking at her violin. I didn't feel connected with her at all. I was aware of what her critics say, and I can now see where they are coming from.

I guess she is one to enjoy on CD, as she has pretty good arrangements.