... Musical beauties found throughout the album are evident at once. Atchison’s voice is warm and lovely, her clear diction closely recorded by Atoll’s skilful team. Rachel Fuller’s piano provides gently rippling accompaniment, and the flute of Luca Manghi makes easy, tender conversation with the voice. The song is shapely; an intense, fierce section near the end resolving in thoughtful conclusion.
The album paints an intimate portrait of Hamilton through this slice from his large oeuvre. One of Aotearoa’s most prolific composers, he was influential in Atchison’s career, first as music teacher at Epsom Girls’ Grammar when she began high school. An acclaimed choral director, Hamilton has always written for voices and the nicely-constructed Willow Song here dates from a 1983 production of Shakespeare’s Othello at Epsom Girls’.
Lively, jazzy Jerry Jones from the late 1980’s contrasts with these soulful songs, revealing Atchison’s theatrical skills. An experienced opera singer, she has a versatile colour range, creating creepy atmospheres in the Tennyson setting, The Silent Voices. ...
Elizabeth Kerr, New Zealand Listener
