Hayley Hutchinson

A new, promising career has just begun. Hayley Hutchinson's debut album, Independently Blue, is packed with pleasant, easy listening country folk pop. The production is light and airy with the emphasis strongly on Hayley's high, sweet voice and acoustic strum. The album was recorded in her home town of York in seven days and includes Chris Helme (vocals) and Stuart Fletcher (bass) from The Yards (both ex Seahorses), and Shed Sevens Alan Leach (drums) and Fraser Smith (keyboards, production) also flying the musical York flag. Her father, John, who plays on several tracks, is a seasoned guitarist, singer songwriter, and has an association with David Bowie spanning 40 years. He was one of Ziggy Stardust's Spiders From Mars playing 12 string guitar during the Aladdin Sane tour of 1973. The opening single, ‘Here's The Love', is perhaps the most accessible song in a commercial sense, and should prove an ample career move as an introduction to a talent who's already being hailed as a British Joni Mitchell. ‘Climb Through' is a heart-string plucking delight, simple in its execution and obvious in its charm. The same could be said for ‘I Have To Say I Love You' and ‘Fall Down'. The title track, and ‘Minor Key' are more upbeat with effective slide guitar touches.

Independently Blue is the emergence of a young folk-pop talent, with a natural, pure voice, aided by sensitive production and quality musicianship. Though the pace and tone may feel a little predictable, it is a debut to be proud of.

Rob Barnett, Music News