Emily chooses her ten favourite tracks in an interview in the April issue of The Bath Magazine. Here they are:
Eva Cassidy – Fields of Gold
One of the most beautiful recordings of a song I think I have ever heard. It makes me sad every time to think that she died so young but she left such a treasure behind.
Tracy Chapman – Baby Can I Hold You
Her album Fast Car is one of my all-time favourites. I always loved singing along and making up harmonies. So many songs to choose from but this one is just gorgeous.
Bob Marley – Misty Morning
I was obsessed with Bob Marley as a teenager and when I got a guitar for my 21st birthday I taught myself to play it from his songbooks. The first song I ever learnt was Time Will Tell as it only has two chords.
Suzanne Vega – Gypsy
I used to sing this song all the time when I was 16 and working in France as a chambermaid. I’m an incurable romantic and it made me go all wistful thinking of far-off places. Years later I went to one of her gigs and sat there in floods of tears while she sang this song.
J S Bach – Mass in B Minor, Agnus Dei
I grew up with classical music at home and I still listen to it a lot. Although I’ve never liked opera, I love choral music. Bach and Bob Marley strangely have the same effect on my mind, making me feel all is well with the world.
Tom Waits – Martha
His album ‘Closing Time’, from which this song is taken, is another all-time favourite. He writes such beautiful melodies all sung with that unique, fabulous voice.
Joni Mitchell – River
I have to confess that I’m not that into her other records but her album ‘Blue’ is absolutely stunning and this song is one of my favourites. Again I get that lovely feeling of wistful longing when I listen to it.
Ben Powell – Farewell Ladakh
Ben is a superb guitarist and composer I met when he was busking in Bath. I love acoustic guitar music and both his albums are just brilliant.
Alanis Morissette – Thank U
I loved her album Jagged Little Pill and this huge song from the follow-up is fantastic. She always writes from the heart, as do I. I love her words, her voice and her kickass attitude.
Fauré – Élégie
I was classically trained as a cellist and I played this piece as a teenager at a masterclass with the world-famous cellist Paul Tortelier just before he died. It was an amazing moment meeting him and playing this incredibly passionate piece with my sister on piano.