Emma Stevens
Album: Waves
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 12
Website: http://emmastevensmusic.com/

I first heard Surrey based singer songwriter Emma Stevens in late 2012. She describes herself as a folk/country/pop singer and a multi-instrumentalist. What she does not say and is probably too modest to do so is that she is an absolutely delightful person. I met her in York last year at a show and she is as charming and happy go lucky as her music sounds.

This is her second album to accompany the four EP's she has released. It follows her first successful album "Riptide." When Emma lost her Mum to cancer in 2012, she dealt with it in the only way she knew - through her music and song writing. Emma planned a series of 4 EPs, each one with a unique and beautiful artwork designed by her Mum. Emma's Mum made the designs as a gift to Emma, and completed them just two weeks before she died. When all 4 are collected they will fit together like a puzzle to make a larger beautiful painting. This is a beautiful tribute to her Mother and says so much about this lovely young lady.

Emma plays a host of stringed instruments, all very well, and most of her songs personify her bubbly personality. I think Clint Eastwood would approve of her "Make my Day" which is a FREE download from her website.

"Waves" contains a number of delightful catchy melodies and I have always found Emma's music makes me happy. So if I am feeling a bit down, I put her on the iPod and feel better immediately. That probably sounds really crass but it is a fact. It works for me! I am listening to her right now and the track is "Shooting for the Moon." It has more than a touch of Lady Antebellum about it and is a superb advert for Emma's music.

Emma uses social media very well and will always respond to you on Twitter if you take the time to tweet her. She seems to have time for everyone. Her music is described as catchy and filmic, and has been used on TV, clients including BBC and ITV. She has also worked with artists such as Kate Nash, Passenger and Jenn Bostic, who she supported on her recent UK tour. She was appearing with Jenn Bostic when I saw her.

"Amaretto kisses" is a beautifully simple song with a lovely guitar backing. I also think it takes a certain type of brilliance to write about a biscuit. Imaginative she certainly is. "Singer of my song" shows Emma's almost childlike innocence off to its full extent. Just fabulous!

As you may gather from this review, I love this lady and her music. Some may find it too sugary and sweet but it is not that for me. It is simply a lovely album produced by a lovely lady.

Rory Stanbridge