Dorie Jackson - 2025 - Stupid Says Run

(60:00; Talking Elephant)






















Dorie is well known for her work as backing vocalist with Chris Difford, Francis Dunnery, William Topley, Marti Pellow as well as being one of the lead singers for Kaprekar’s Constant, and here she finally returns with her second solo album, following on from 2008’s ‘The Courting Ground’. Some members of Kaprekar’s Constant form part of the backing band, including her father David (best known for his time with Van der Graaf Generator and Peter Hammill) who provides flute, horns and whistles.

Unsurprisingly, given her relationship with Kaprekar’s Constant, there is a large amount of storytelling within this album, which is probably best described as folk prog crossed with singer songwriter. What makes the album stand out so much is not only the quality of the songs, but the way the music has been structured to ensure the vocal arrangements and harmonies are always front and centre. This is an album which has had real care paid to how the songs have been compiled to create something that is full of space and there is the feeling throughout that nothing has been rushed, and everything has been carefully thought through. The result is an album which is beautiful, with Dorie always at the core, with threads building around her to develop a tapestry of music which only comes to life with her voice.

It is a magical album which feels very much out of time, as this has been developed and allowed to mature like a fine wine, unlike the mass energy drinks which are consumed and disposed of very quickly indeed, as this is a release to be savoured and enjoyed time and again. There are times when we just have a piano for support, at others it is far more layered, yet always we are drawn the voice as Dorie allows herself to work through different styles to create something very special indeed, with a proud father adding nuances here and there to assist in taking this to the next level. For anyone who enjoys female singers performing in this style then this is a delicious delight. 

Kev Rowland, March 2025

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