Eilidh Patterson hails from Derry in Northern  Ireland and When The Time Comes is her debut CD, expertly produced by none other than U2’s sound engineer, Alastair McMillan. Written over a period of seven years, the CD has a distinctly folk sound, yet carries a modern twist.

 What is immediately striking is the purity of Eilidh’s voice; you could listen to her sing for hours. Moving On, the first single from the album, was inspired at a time when Eilidh was thinking of moving from Derry to Belfast a few years ago. It’s a song about being content with change – something I suspect many of us grapple with.  Precious Cargo speaks of longing, many will connect with the loss explored in Letting Go (not to be confused with the Suzy Bogguss/ Doug Crider song of the same title – this was written by Eilidh) Do I Eve Cross Your Mind was inspired when watching a Willie Nelson gig in Austin, Texas a couple of years ago.  Ostensibly lamenting a lost love, it is lyrically quite brilliant, even incorporating other well known song titles.  You Are There touches on the idea of faith, and It’s Easy is full of the joy evoked when embarking upon a new relationship. 

 However, for me, the absolute standout track is the beautiful Still Learning. The idea for the song was planted when Eilidh received a copper plaque from a friend, inscribed with the quote; I Am Still Learning” - Michaelangelo.  Articulately written, it begins with the perspective of a baby learning to walk then moves through to adulthood. It is particularly evident in this song what a fine wordsmith Eilidh is, and at times she uses words and lines worthy of a Gretchen Peters or Beth Nielsen Chapman song.

This is one of the strongest debut CDs I have had the pleasure of listening to and am already looking forward to seeing what else Eilidh Patterson has in store. For now, this CD belongs in everyone’s collection, as I suspect that I am still learning, as are the rest of her fans, what her talents truly are.

Helen Mitchell