|
 If
you’ve already read our
In The Hotseat
Interview with Nell Bryden, you’ll already know the rather
fascinating story of how her new album, Second Time Around’, came to be.
For those of you who haven’t got far yet, here’s how it goes; a
struggling New-York singer-songwriter, Nell Bryden self-funded her
initial treck across the United States thanks to a slew of part-time
jobs. Armed with only an acoustic guitar and whatever funds she raised
from CD sales, the pennies eventually ran out and Nell was forced to put
her dreams of stardom on hold, returning home to stay with her Father
and save up again.
Which was when she discovered a painting that would effectively change
her life.
Taking said artwork to auction, the painting turned out to be a Milton
Avery original, and bagged the lucky singer a cool three hundred grand,
which she effectively used to ‘do everything a record label would
usually do’.
Since then, she’s been back on the road, touring Europe and supporting
the likes of Counting Crows and KT Tunstall. Now, with her aptly titled
Second Time Around LP, the sultry songstress seizes the
opportunity to bring her seductive, retro sounds to the masses.
A heady mixture of folk, soul and country, with the odd lashing of jazz
and Dixie thrown in for good measure, Second Time Around is an enticing
album full of passion and pleasure.
Over briskly guitars, flirtatious piano and sprightly rhythms, Bryden
waxes lyrical in a smooth, soulful voice full of tender charm and gentle
grace, channelling the spirit of some vintage dancehall concert. And
though you may take ‘vintage’ to mean old and outdated, that isn’t the
case here. Think classic, retro style mixed with modern beauty and
you’ll come somewhat close to what we’re talking about.
A sure highlight comes by way of Only Life I Know, a jaunty,
country-inspired affair with tingling strings dancing beneath Bryden’s
strong, seductive vocal, but that’s not to say this is the only good
thing on here.
From the jazzy title track to the gorgeousness of Where the Pavement
Ends which summons forth images of some wild west showdown beneath a
setting sun, and all that goes in between, there isn’t much to dislike
about Second Time Around.
In a nutshell: a soft, smooth, retro-sounding selection of
country, jazz and soul inspired guitar pop.
You might like this if you enjoy: Katie Melua, Norah Jones.
Recommended links:
►
www.nellbryden.com
►
www.myspace.com/nellbryden
►
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