Melissa James
Album: Day Dawns
Label: Slicker Sounds
Tracks: 13
Website: http://melissa-james.com/

"Day Dawns" has spent a lot of time on my cd player, so much in fact that I almost forgot to review it as it effortlessly moved from interesting new album to trusted old favourite, particularly when you're in that certain mood.

Melissa James performs her songs with a relaxed, self-assured, confidence that is more than heavily tinged with a touch of soul. "Day Dawns" is an album about feeling good about yourself, the sort of day where you get up and you're ready to face whatever opportunities the world the world is going to through you're way rather than pulling the covers over your head and trying to ignore it.

This is an album about inner strength, both for your own sake and as part of relationships, not only when they're going well, but also when it's time to walk away. Melissa's cover of Eric Bibb's "Don't Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down" is really the flag carrier for the album, but from the self-penned opener, "Don't You Keep Yourself Down", you know exactly where the album is going and it takes you on a fantastic journey.

There is a great fluidity to James' songwriting style, she knows where she wants the song to go and how the band and herself are going to get it there. Along the way there are some beautiful gospel touches delivered via a voice that feels like it's been brought up and nourished by the sweet honey from the rock.

"Day Dawns", thirteen tracks, well twelve and the ubiquitous bonus, is an album that gives you a lot of energy, excellent fresh as a daisy arrangements that sound like they could easily come from the likes of Stax, this is an album that makes you feel proud.

Neil King