Judie Tzuke - Press Cuttings.
The following article was published in the KEIGHLEY NEWS on the 11th May 1979.
Since Sandy Denny died Britain has been barren of talented women songwriters. Judie Tzuke is not in the same earthy vein as the late Ms Denny but her debut album on Rocket bodes well for the future. Welcome To The Cruise is issued next Friday.
All songs are penned by Judie and co-writer Mike Paxman and at their best make
this more than just another first offering. 'For You' was released as a single last summer picking up airplay and critical acclaim. It was a brave choice for an unknown - the song is woven only with Judie's voice over and over again. The sole backing is a classical string quartet. 'Sukarita' - the best track on this album - was used as the B-side of 'For You'. Strong on melody with intelligent arrangements, 'Sukarita' is worth the album price alone. Here, as elsewhere on the album, Simon Phillips makes his presence felt.
Phillips is one of rock music's unsung heroes - a drummer of such artistry that his kit is more a musical than a rhythm instrument. 'Ladies Night' runs 'Sukarita' a close second. Again instantly appealing, Judie's textured voice rises and falls with cadence. But there are faults too. In the brasher numbers, melody seems to get lost behind the rhythm and occasionally the string arrangements are over-lavish.
Nonetheless, 'Welcome To The Cruise'
is an impressive debut. Judie Tzuke sounds as if she enjoys singing for its own sake - a commitment too often missing in women singers today.
I interviewed Judie Tzuke last summer. She is not the stuff stars are made of, she is far too good for that.
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