Kirsty Bromley
Album: Time Ashore
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 14
Website: http://www.kirstybromley.com

We are truly blessed by the growing number of incredibly talented young singers sharing their music and this debut album is a fine example of this. Kirsty gave us a taster of her singing and arranging skills a few years ago with her EP, The Sweet Nightingale (still available as a digital download). How much she has grown as a musician is very clear in this longer format.

Opening an album with an unaccompanied, self-penned song would be considered risky by some but not only does it display Kirsty's beautifully crystal clear vocals but it also sets the tone for the whole recording, sentiments of beginning an exciting journey of discovery both musically and personally. For those who favour traditional songs, this album will not disappoint. The lively arrangement of Eat Drink and Be Jolly is vibrant and engaging with a strong instrumental break featuring the talented Sarah Matthews, Judith Hooper and Philippe Barnes, alongside the accordion of Simon Dumpleton.

The sensitive arrangements of both Sweet Nightingale and Twas on One April Morning are subtle and light, very much in keeping with the lilting quality of the tune. As a lover of the Scottish version of the Child Ballad, Two Sisters, it was really interesting to hear a very different version both in lyrics and tune. The string writing on this track was particularly effective, giving it a slightly orchestral quality.

Alongside Kirsty's own songwriting and some excellent arrangements of traditional material are some strong contemporary songs. English Ground from the pen of Chris Wood and Laurel Swift is a wonderfully evocative look at the many unique traditions and songs found in England. My personal favourite, Paul Metser's One More Time, is a lively look at friendship and features Kirsty on trumpet, displaying a further side of her musicianship.

The album finishes with a traditional Maori song Taku Mana, another beautiful display of Kirsty's vocals, layered on top of each other to create a truly uplifting sound. This is a fantastic debut album that displays a high level of musical maturity, while at the same time promising much more from this talented young singer.

Nicky Grant