CD Review
Artist: Cory Woodward
Album: Princess Of The Skies
Label: Killbeat Music
Release Date: July 15^th, 2008 

!!!

Reviewed by Alexander Hutt (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada) 

With the excellent sound of this record, Cory Woodward will build his influence in the music world. This is largely due to his immense musical talent and diversity of song styles. His new CD The Princess of the Skies is a well-balanced release with smooth, bluesy songs like "Remedy Girl" and "Down, Down, Down", lilting, heartfelt tracks like "Turn to You" and "Last Breath", and mystical combinations of the two like "Revolve" and "Slipping Away". Woodward's edgy, raspy rock voice is a perfect match for the swaying musical beats of his songs.

Another draw of Woodward is not only that he does write his own songs, he adds his instrumental contribution as well in the form of guitar, piano, synth and percussion. In this regard, Cory Woodward is a perfect example of a complete singer-songwriter, who rather than being a figurehead for his music, pours his ability and dexterity into his music. There is also a wide range of instruments used in The Princess of the Skies, including the glockenspiel, the banjo, and the accordion, which are professionally played by Matthew Rogers.

Woodward's voice never tires, as his incorporation of other singers supplements the tracks. Guest vocalists include Debra-Jean Creelman, Ryan McMahon, Dustin Cole, and Dallas Woodward. The positive of this is that the supplemental vocals add to the flavour of the songs, rather than just simply amplifying Woodward's own voice. They put another dimension into the music, and are good matches for duets.  

Woodward mixes many genres in his work, with blues in his more upbeat songs, along with bits of country swing and hints of classic rock running throughout the album. The downside of the record is that it's only six songs long! However, The Princess of the Skies increases hope that there is a bright future for this remarkable singer-songwriter.

The album hits the shelves on July 15^th, 2008, subsequent to the start of Cory Woodward's tour across Canada, which I strongly recommend as a summer music feast.  

1. "Revolve" - 5:47
2. "Remedy Girl" - 3:03
3. "Slipping Away" - 4:55
4. "Turn To You" - 3:24
5. "Down, Down, Down" - 4:12
6. "Last Breath" - 5:01