In releasing a recording of covers, most artists do so as a way of getting somewhere. Because a half decent cover version is damn good way to get yourself noticed. But Perth singer-songwriter, Natalie D-Napoleon’s recently released EP of covers titled Here In California is more about a journey that has already taken place. In relocating to the coast California, D-Napoleon serves up a selection of songs that pay tribute to the musical landscape from where she came and the one she is currently exploring.

The recording opens with a pensive rendition of the Paul Kelly track To Her Door. D-Napoleon has stripped the song right back and allows her airy guitar and passionate vocals to shine. She also highlights the song’s natural melancholy through some tender piano accordion courtesy of longtime Grant-Lee Phillips cohort Phil Parlapiano. In tackling AC/DC’s rock anthem You Shook Me All Night Long D-Napoleon slows things down from the origin, but it is still a rollicking rendition that comes with a tongue-in-cheek fiddle solo.

The final Australian song is a beautiful version of Even The Sweet Things Die by her Perth friends The Jayco Brothers. As D-Napoleon’s vocal yearn, Melanie Robinson’s cello whines in sympathy.

Complimenting the three Australian compositions are three songs from Californian artists. Hummingbird – a song by D-Napoleon’s recent touring partner Victoria Williams – is a joyful fiddle-driven tune that bounces along quite nicely while Guy Clarke’s LA Freeway – an ironic tale about Los Angeles – features some magnificent guitar work by the legendary Kenny Edwards. It has been the quirky You Shook Me All Night Long that has been receiving the radio attention, but it is D-Napoleon’s stirring take on the Kate Wolf classic, Here In California that gives the release its magnum opus. With Edwards again at her side, she brings out the heart and soul of this overlooked classic.

While these might not be D-Napoleon’s own songs, Here In California opens the door to a very personal musical world. And while there might be an ocean between the two sides of D-Napoleon’s world, here they are beautifully and coherently united.


From The Dwarf ...

From the West Coast of Australia where she grew up calling a country town near Perth, home, to the West Coast of America where she now calls California a sometimes-home, Natalie D-Napoleon is causing a gentle stir in both Aussie and American music scenes.

Already having a couple of EP’s to her own name, Napoleon has just released Here in California which is a collection of covers from artists from her two homes. Because of the die-hard AC/DC fans, there is always going to be a risk in covering a song of theirs (You Shook Me All Night Long), though Napoleon has done it quite respectfully, in not copying it.
Slowing it down to a comfortable sing along pace, you can be reflecting on the songs and the memories it used to contain, while casually singing along with her voluminous vocals.

Transforming other songs into accessible sounds she continues the Australian line up with Paul Kelly’s To Her Door and Even the Sweet Things Die by the Jayco Brothers.

Paying tribute to a great American singer/songwriter, Napoleon adds Kate Wolf’s Country classic Here in California, as well as Victoria Willams’ Hummingbird and Guy Clarke’s LA Freeway.

Even though Here in California and LA Freeway are unmistakably about America’s West Coast, with Napoleon's honey-sweet Australian voice, it is not hard to relate these songs to Australian road trips through the countryside.

And not hard to imagine any mother giving the same advice as is given in Here in California: “take your time, don’t fall in love too quickly, before you know your mind.”

Don’t expect what you know of these songs, and I’m sure you’ll be able to fall in love again with the new inflection on them.


From Mediasearch ...

Winning a grant from the Western Australian Department of Culture and the Arts in 2008 was the catalyst for Natalie D–Napoleon’s aptly named ‘Here In California’, a six-song EP of covers – from both Australian and American artists - taken in a direction that showcases Napoleon’s journey, adding a touch of something honest and Australian to whatever she sings. Aussie tracks included are AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long” and The Jayco Brothers’ “Even The Sweet Things Die”.

The American flavour comes in the way of Guy Clark’s “LA Freeway”, Victoria Williams’ “Hummingbird”, and Kate Wolf’s “Here In California”. Natalie’s acoustic take on these stories is at times haunting; her voice drips with country yearnings and has a unique appealing twang and an honesty so inherent in true country music. Those fans of acoustic covers and original writings from the likes of Casey Chambers will no doubt find a soft spot for Natalie.

Having performed with The Jayco Brothers and Victoria Williams previously, the choice of these songs gives this release an even more personal feel. Since the release of this EP Natalie has gone on to record and release her full-length album entitled ‘Leaving Me Dry’. If ‘Here in California’ is any indication, we can expect exciting things.