My Voice

My Voice Donna Marie

Angela Macari O’Looney

Donna Marie has been performing since she was eleven years of age, when she did her first gig on bass after a four hour lesson from her mother. Having a distinctive vocal style, she has been involved in music since schooldays.

Her star continued to rise, when she worked with legendary band Breeze Junkie/ Breeze 52. Donna appeared as a solo artist on R.T.E.’s ‘All Ireland talent show’ in 2009, reaching fifth place in the final.

She composed a song especially for Madeline McCann, who went missing and has never been found. Little Angel raised enormous funds and addressed the issue of child abduction, which was a huge step for the cause.

From Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Donna Marie has a unique voice, which leaves you tapping your feet for the upbeat songs, or listening with reverence for the slower, emotional numbers. Either way, this lovely collection is a treasure worth having. Described as Alt/ Country/ Pop, her music is all of the above and more!

Alanis is the first track and has a choppy beat, with trickling electric guitar riffs in the verse and a seductive feel to it. Subtle key changes add to its charm and the chorus is really catchy, with backing vocals filling it up brilliantly. A sax solo comes in for the middle eight.

Little Angel This song would break a heart with its lyrics, sweet harmony and Donna’s delivery of the touching story about a little girl (Madeline) who is out there somewhere, while the world searches for her. Mummy’s angel spread your wings and fly back home.

An electric guitar intro takes us into Problem for you. This is a great number with a cheerful pop beat. The chorus is memorable and instrumentals are excellent, with great input on guitar and keyboards. Kieran Wilde performs brass later in the track.

A fast rock n roll song, Confidence Man is fab, where the sexier side of Donna’s vocals feature. Some wonderful distortion laden guitar riffs lend attitude, with flanger used in parts also.

Simple song This is a fun number, where Donna plays acoustic guitar. I hear a banjo,a punchy bass line and in general the whole song has humour, a truly catchy melody line and definitely one to dance around with. For the last chorus I hear a delicious input on liquorice stick (Clarinet). Probably one of the best songs on this album!

Hush has a big intro, with electric guitar, brass and piano. With wonderful melody line it is a truly appealing love song! It could also be sung by a doting parent to his/her little girl. Donna’s delivery is magical here. Roberta Howett performs harmony which is sweet and excellently placed.

My Voice

The title track from the album, this has a foot tapping beat, with a dramatic and catchy chorus. Guitar riffs throughout add atmosphere. Backing vocals join in for the chorus later in the song, with choppy flange laden guitar chords enhancing the mood.

Piece of My Heart

Donna performs this cover with panache. It’s a challenging but fabulous song, written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns and was performed by Emma Franklin, Janis Joplin, Faith Hill and Melissa Etheridge. Harmony is delightful on this track.

Bringing the beat up a little, I can see it is a gutsy number. The chorus is delicious, with fab input from the band. Guitars are superb.

Chrissie Hynde’s Brass in Pocket is a lovely choice for Donna’s distinctive and seductive vocals. Fiachra Trench performs on Piano and Hammond for this track.

The final song on My Voice is the popular Etta James standard At Last. The soulful number involves Hammond organ, Acoustic piano, trickling guitar and gentle percussion. Donna’s delivery here is original and extremely charming.

Musicians on this excellent collection include Aongus Ralston – Bass, Johnny Boyle – Drums, Gavin Ralston – Hammond and Piano, Roberta Howett – Backing Vocals and additional instrumentation is performed by Kieran Wilde- Brass, James Delaney – Wurlitzer/ Hammond, Sean Ralston – Acoustic Guitar, Gavin Ralston – Banjo/ Mandolin, Fiachra Trench-Piano/ Hammond Organ.