I came across Elles Bailey almost by accident, going to London’s 100 Club to see an evening of Blues ladies and finding myself mesmerised by the opening act – a husky voiced Blues singe who seemed ridiculously talented to be opening the night. I was genuinely excited when her debut album arrived for review although there was a sense of trepidation as well – would this live up to the performance at 100 Club? Well, the album hasn’t left my deck since I started listening to it. This is an album of real talent, sung without fear and full of some remarkable songs. One of the best things I’ve heard recently.
She sounds like an old Blues queen, that husky voice and slight drawl, but it appears that a childhood illness gave her a remarkable tool and she uses it to its very best effect.
From the very opening number, the title track, you have no doubts that she is a singer and a storyteller but the music also draws you to the songs. ‘Wildfire’ opening with slide Dobro before her vocals come in and a thudding beat takes you on – like the opening chapters of a novel before the story itself.
She has many different sides to her music though and as the gorgeous ‘Girl Who Owned The Blues’ shows (a tribute to Janis Joplin) she can sing deep and soulful as well as sassy and bright. I love ‘Let Me Hear You Scream’ which positively growls and the country/boogie of ‘Shackles Of Love’.
The album was laid down in Nashville –on a family holiday where she was going to record a demo. “We’d arranged to cut a demo in Nashville along the route” she explains. “But what was meant to be one solitary track took on a life of its own. Before I knew it, boom, we had a whole album!” What that also meant was access to some stellar musicians – guys like Grammy winner Brent Mason, hall of famer Bobby WoodChris Leuzinger (Garth Brooks guitarist), Mike Brignardello on bass (Lynrd Skynrd and Amy Grant) – guys who won’t lend themselves to below average music. When she got back to the UK she was able to add Jonny Henderson on Hammond and Joe Wilkins on guitar and the musicianship adds to the songs but with Brad Nowell’s production her voice and the songs themselves take centre stage.
The album is loaded with different shades and emotions but it is all inherently danceable too and I can see myself digging this one for months to come.
