It has taken me weeks to get around to listening to her new album. The one that’s been held by her record company for over a year because it’s too difficult to promote. I can see why. Thank goodness for her fans that it has found its way to the public via the internet.

Fiona’s music is heavy on the blues piano and uses melodies and arrangements that are simply too melancholy and confrontational to casual listening. Her previous two albums have some crossover potential into the commercial arena, but this new one Extraordinary Machine is more ‘out there’ and theatrical.

Oh Sailor is one of more friendly tracks once it gets going. It opens with a piano melody that isn’t quite sure whether it is a tune or just some random notes. Same with the strings. Then it moves into a chorus that is gorgeous and it all fits together.