HAZEL O' CONNOR ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL

29-09-2006

Flourescent hair? "Breaking Glass" anecdotes? Sorry, but local lass Hazel O'Connor's moved on, as her loyal band of followers will discover in Bilston next week. Les Floyd explains the change.

Photo: Tim Jarvis

Hazel O'Connor will be playing the Robin on Tuesday, but unenlightened fans expecting a night of neo-punk and strobe lighting may find themselves confused when confronted by the Irish harp on stage.

Hazel's artistic evolution - and her association with celebrated Irish harpist, Cormac De Barra, and his younger brother, Ruairi de Barra - has brought about an earthier, more traditional sound for her latest album, Hidden Heart, rooted in Celtic folk, but borrowing from a host of influences such as blues, soul and… flowers.

“The Robin is the most serious gig for me in the Midlands,” says Hazel, who grew up down the road in Cov. “I know when I play there that people will come from all over the area, and it's lovely to have that relationship.”

She explains: “Hidden Heart is something that I managed to do with a very small team of passionate people. These wonderful musicians are so important to the way the music is put down, and the whole vibe that goes into it.”

Now living in a remote part of County Wicklow, Ireland, Hazel's life imitates her art - or is that the the other way around? - and the high-drama of her 80s rise to stardom has been replaced by a naturally matured and philosophical outlook on life.

Rather than hanging out at celebrity bashes, you're more likely to find her on the way to the karate dojo so she can burn off the cream scones she's grown so fond of, or pottering about the garden.

“I'm inspired by the spirit of people and flowers,” smiles Hazel “It's those things that get me going. I'm just a hippy really.”

“I love my garden. I love trying to make things grow and seeing them become fruitful. The only thing I ask of seeds is that they're going to be able to survive, since I'm not always around. So I choose the ones with the strength and ability to survive.”

“Those qualities are inspirational to me, in people too. I like to surround myself with people like that.”

Hazel's website is at www.hazeloconnor.com

Supporting Hazel on this tour is Lu Cozma, who will be performing tracks from her brand new solo album, RED, accompanied by writing partner and guitarist, Steve Askew - a founder member of popular 80's band, Kajagoogoo…what more could want? Limahl? Forget it.

Visit Lu's website at www.lucozma.com