Michelle Renee
Album: Michelle Renee
Label: Yelloweed
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.michellereneemusic.com

I had not previously encountered the music of Michelle Renee, so the arrival of her debut self titled CD was a new introduction for me. She originally hails from New York, although her family moved to Germany for a time, before she settled back in the USA. It deems music has lays been part of her life, from singing with her family, to the SOS band, to her current solo endeavours.

The first thing I discovered was that my reservations based on the cover art were unfounded. Renee's own compositions feature alongside an intriguing cover of John Legend's Ordinary Girl. Perhaps against the odds, it works. her own material if difficult to categorise; soul, jazz, pop; it is all there. Again, it works. Her vocals, it seems, can adapt to suit the different styles and genres and even hold their own against the not unsubstantial brass accompaniments. There is a certainly a very striking quality to her voice, which draws you in to the lyrics.

I will say that on first listen, it was pleasant but not striking: it is certainly a collection of songs which, on repeated listen, finds its way into your psyche. As a collection of fine songs, it is well worth a listen; a great CD to unwind to.

Helen Mitchell