Trudi Hide

Like most real talent that enters the music ‘business’, Trudi Hide was initially overwhelmed and undervalued. The marketing department’s determination to turn people into product has lost so much music of beauty that the world could have treasured. The reverse tragedy come fairytale of Eva Cassidy bares witness to this.

Trudi was already a success on her own terms when ‘Katie’ and the album ‘Losing Faith’ were recorded under the wing of a giant major label. With all the skullduggery and double dealing of a big time record deal, it was a project discussed in boardrooms as much as the recording studios.

Trudi’s talent and dignity were constant throughout this rollercoaster of empty promises. When a corporate reshuffle consigned this almost perfect album to the vaults, she brushed herself down and continued to create her effortless melodies and lovelorn lyrics, which would not shame Fleetwood Mac or Joni Mitchell on a much more intermit scale. She was rewarded with a faithful following and even with the lofty praise of Richard Carpenter she remained a secret star.

Times have changed but a beautiful song remains timeless. The digital revolution has spawned thousands of internet record labels that have provided a home to the survivors of the big label boom or bust domination and set them free to pursue their careers at their own pace.

When ‘Katie’ was released almost begrudgingly as a promo almost ten years ago even Radio 2’s royalty such as Terry Wogan and Bob Harris could not resist its easy charm.

This time around the public can also be in on the secret and there will be no losing faith.

MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS “It must be the fate of any female singer/songwriter who secures a recording contract to be likened to Joni Mitchell. Well, Trudi Hide from Lancashire gets her retaliation in first by citing Mitchell as an influence, and at least two tracks on her debut album could be out-takes from Blue. Indeed ‘I Was Wondering’ could be ‘Blue’ itself. Yet Trudi is no Joni clone. Her songs aren’t as dense or complex, for a start, this is not a criticism, for this collection of 9 songs is worthy of scrutiny in its own right. As is so often the case, female singer/songwriters tend to write about failed relationships, and ‘Being Kind’ has a haunting poignancy, as does the album’s stand-out track ‘Losing Faith’, a lilting ballad whose sad message is topped off with a moving trumpet solo. Trudi Hide’s first single,’ Katie’ was a warmly melodic song about a mother’s lament for a lost child and its uncluttered musical approach, made it refreshing in a world of cover versions and gimmicks. Her voice has also been compared to Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac, but one thing is certain, Trudi Hide has a voice and a half. Her music is timeless and empathic and she is one very talented woman who is going to be around for years to come.”

LANCASHIRE TELEGRAPH

TRUDI HIDE (download/Fin Music) – Maria McKee, Clannad, Eva Cassidy, even Joni Mitchell – they have all created the same kind of moods that drift and shift to make up this eponymously-titled first album. We loved the ever-so-slightly off-the-wall vocals of Carry of Burden, which packs an outback-punch. The former Blackburn schoolgirl, now living in Chorley, glides on to deliver tearjerkers like ‘I Was Wondering’ (Would You Be So Kind to Stay) and ‘I Could Let You Leave’. Her folksy voice has a magical range-best heard on Down to The River -which, fingers crossed, will bring a blast of fresh air to today’s charts. Put this on when you’ve got friends round to dinner-or, just as easily, when he or she has walked out on you for good. It is, quite simply, classy and beautifully-produced. 8/10  CD

THE DAILY MAIL

This beguiling Lancashire lass sounds at times(notably on ‘I Was Wondering’ and ‘Down to the River) more like Joni Mitchell than Joni Mitchell does these days. There are pretty songs such as ‘Katie’ and ‘Round and Round’ plus a number of deeper more moody moments. This is, as described by Trudi herself, ‘late night music’, but it also sounds great in the morning and in the afternoon. 8/10

SHROPSHIRE STAR

This long-awaited album has Trudi sounding like Ladies of the Canyon-era Joni Mitchell on gorgeous songs like ‘I Was Wondering’. Elsewhere I was reminded of the mellow side of The Bangles or even Madonna. Throughout, the album is unashamedly gentle and quite, quite beautiful.

ARBROATH HERALD

‘Being Kind’
This is a beautiful, gentle ballad which we have listened to several times and like more each time we hear it. There are seven in band, fronted by Trudi, who comes from Lancashire. One quote refers to her ‘timeless and soulful sound’, which shimmers through the forthcoming album. We can’t quarrel with that – this lass definitely has talent, and it may well get the recognition it deserves. Also on the CD single are ‘I Was Wondering,’ which is slow and delicate, with a faintly folksy touch; Carry the Burden,’ which has a very catchy chorus and again a folksy feel; and ‘Cradle Me,’ which is yet another helping of beautiful, tuneful singing, easy on the ear. We really hope to hear more from Trudi Hide.
Right Track rating 9/10.

Forthcoming Live Dates

The Cartford Inn, Little Eccleston	13th November 2009	01995 670166
	4th December 2009
	24th December 2009
Private Functions, Invited Guests Only	21 November 2009
	28 November 2009
The Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge, The Lakes	31st December 2009	01539 531681

 

Trudi is currently signed to independent record label, Fin Music (www.finmusic.co.uk) founded by Mal Holmes, a founder member of the very successful 80’s band, OMD. Her music can be heard/downloaded from this site or from www.i-tunes.com

Did you Know?

Trudi’s American management company, ‘Whitmore, Jacobsen and Burkhart’ in L.A. played her album to Richard Carpenter, whose favourite track was ‘Round and Round.