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Joy Askew
The Pirate of Eel Pie
Red Parlor
By Amanda Kuba
Since getting her musical start performing in a blues band with her brother as a teen in North England, over the course of her career Joy Askew has proven to be a truly multi-dimensional artist, collaborating with the likes of Peter Gabriel and Joe Jackson, fronting an all-girl rock band called Bitch and making up one half of the electronic jazz duo Echo. On her newest album, The Pirate Of Eel Pie, Askew gets raw and personal, bravely plunging into the harrowing depths of today's ethical dilemmas and social responsibilities. The album is both a melodic journey, effortlessly enchanting listeners into an idyllic dream-state and a song cycle of moral lullabies, urging us into Askew's ethereal, yet socially responsible world.
Conjuring memories of growing up in the North of England and London in the '70s, Askew renders a nearly palpable nostalgia recognized by anyone who ever clung to youthful optimism and an all-consuming love affair with music. The angelic vocals mix exquisitely with a variety of musical influences including rock, classical and folk, showcasing Askew's impressive versatility and wide range of experience. One cannot help but fall at least slightly in love with Askew while listening to her soulful voice proclaim her compassionate ideals. A committed animal rights activist and an advocate of a vegan lifestyle, Askew doesn't shy away from confrontation on The Pirate of Eel Pie. Using lyrics like "In between your mouth and the plate is the most significant choice you're gonna make" on the song "Hip These Days," even a casual listener is forced to examine their conscience.
When asked about her passion for animal rights issues, Askew explains: "The fight for animal rights has always been important, but is particularly relevant now as the animal agricultural business is responsible for the largest contribution to Global Warming—more than all of the world's car emissions! The largest percentage of Amazon forest clear-cutting is used to graze Americas 'fast food' cattle. But it is not just the 'physical' damage to the planet. It is also spiritual. I believe we can never have peace on earth while we are committing such horrendous cruelty and suffering to over 60 billion animals a year."
The album's final song, "Poor Man's Greed" stands out as a hauntingly effective plea for the cause, truly exhibiting Askew's heart-wrenching empathy and unwavering pursuit for a more peaceful world. Everything about this album exudes a unique radiance, all of which is infused with the perfect mixture of sticky-sweet melancholy, pertinent social examination and healthy optimism. With The Pirate of Eel Pie, Askew's world of mercy and love gently compels us to believe that things can always get better.
Internet:
www.myspace.com/joyaskew
www.joyaskew.com
Joy Askew's The Pirate Of Eel Pie is out now on Red Parlor
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