It probably isn't surprising to learn that
Hoyle
's solo debut, cut following the final dissolution of
Affinity
in 1971, does not deviate too far from that band's jazz-rock modus operandi. However, in seeking to trim the instrumental fat from
's sometimes gruelling work-outs, and concentrate the attention on the songs (and lyrics) themselves, it rises far above its role model, to showcase
as a far more exciting figure than her footnotes in history would have you believe. Reminiscent in places of the best of
Julie Driscoll
's late 1960s work -- a role model that
was singularly well-placed to succeed --
Pieces of Me
likewise borrows from several of
Driscoll
's own influences. The
Nina Simone
and
Laura Nyro
songbooks both contribute to the proceedings, with the latter's
"Lonely Woman"
standing among the best tracks on the entire album. But
's own work, largely written in tandem with keyboard player
Karl Jenkins
, is equally powerful, with the eerie
"Hymn to Valerie Solanis"
(titled for, but never mentioning the woman who shot
Andy Warhol
), and the regretful
"Journey's End"
ranking among the other highlights. The intriguing
"Ballad of Marty Mole,"
meanwhile, reads like a cross between
Bob Dylan
Beatrix Potter
, and could well give children nightmares for days. ~ Dave Thompson