"They don't write 'em like that anymore...except they do...superb singer in classic mould." Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music
"Has she been on Later with Jools Holland yet? If not, expect to see her there very soon." The Crack
"Crossing the genres through soul to gospel with jazz inflections." Bridget Metcalf, BBC Eastern Counties Radio.
"...most auspicious debut..." In the Basement.
"Lovely album..very impressive indeed...She's a bit special." Ralph McLean, BBC Radio Ulster
"Day Dawns is an exceptional album." All About Jazz
Ahead of the release of her debut album, Day Dawns, singer-songwriter, Melissa James, is already causing a stir at her live shows and attracting a steady army of followers with her earthy and soulful sound.
Fusing her love of blues, folk, jazz and soul, Melissa’s songs take the listener on mini detours, which often open up to reveal the sometimes raw elements of her innermost thoughts. Combined with the velvety power of her delivery, it makes for a spine tingling experience.
Melissa first began singing seriously whilst at university. In between lectures and seminars, she’d listen intently to recordings of Bessie Smith, Holiday and Simone and ponder the lyrics of singer songwriter Joni Mitchell. Mentally, she’d take notes, putting into practice what she’d learned in her slot at a Sunday night jam.
Encouraged by her vocal coach to begin song writing, an advertisement put her in touch with her collaborator, Ross Lorraine. Three years on, the album Day Dawns has emerged. Released on her own label, SlickerSounds, it embraces many of Melissa’s musical influences. Her songs are heartfelt tales taking her listeners on a journey as she reflects on lessons learned from her own experiences. It is these revealing accounts which draw-in her admirers and cause her supporters to report the emotive response they feel upon listening to her music.
Definitely one to watch.
released June 25, 2012
MUSICIAN CREDITS
Melissa James / Vocals
Kevin Leo / Vocals - Track 3
Matt Park / Electric, Acoustic, Slide Guitar – Tracks 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11
James Pusey / Electric & Acoustic Guitars – Tracks 1, 5, 10, 11, 13
Nick Ramm Piano / Hammond Organ, Rhodes & Melodica
Dave Lennox / Hammond Organ – Tracks 1, 2, 3, 9
Ross Lorraine / Electric Piano – Tracks 1, 4, 7, 11
Nick Pini / Bass - Tracks 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9
Larry Bartley / Bass – Tracks 1, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13
Mark Fletcher / Drums & Percussion
Damon Brown / Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Tony Kofi / Baritone & Soprano Sax
Melissa James / Backing Vocals
Kevin Leo / Backing Vocals – Tracks 3, 4
Mark Fletcher, Joe Leach, Melissa James / Finger Clicks
ALBUM PERSONNEL
Produced & Engineered by Joe Leach at Cowshed Studios, London
Executive Producers Melissa James, Ross Lorraine
Mastered by Nick Watson at Fluid Mastering, London
Styling by Laura Grant-Evans
Assistant Stylist Alexei Izmaylov
Make Up by Janie Howarth
Clothing from Lovely’s Vintage Emporium
Laura Grant-Evans and Melissa’s own
Main Cover Photography by Mark Guthrie
Package Design by Melissa James, Alex Hutchinson
Artwork by Alex Hutchinson at Free Barrabas, London.
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