Risa Hall
Album: Second Chances
Label: Red Disc
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.risahall.com/

This review has taken longer than perhaps it should have done as I keep on enjoying the album so much I keep forgetting to put on my review head , not necessarily a bad thing.

"Second Chances" is an album that lacks only a consistency in style. Across the album is a plethora of music styles, jazz, pop, folk, rock and yet the whole manages to feel like an album rather than a song book.

The main reason for that is Risa Hall's incredible voice, she can make it sound so natural in each of those styles that it binds the whole like egg tempura giving the album a vivid soundscape rather than colour.

The production and arrangement of the songs gives them a sharp cutting edge, no clutter to distract you from the performances. You can clearly hear the instrumentation and it's obvious what it's purpose is in the song. That's something that goes right through the album regardless of genre and pace.

It makes for a really dynamic album that entertains from start to finish. It has a variety that keeps it fresh throughout with some real standout moments, "Jazz Lullaby" being one that comes instantly to mind, it's such an emotive and expressive song.

There was a time, mainly in the days of vinyl, when you took time to one side to listen to music properly. "Second Chances" instinctively demands that you give it that respect and just enjoy it for the music.

The title track leads for an interesting video, that makes you feel there is a real push for the album to succeed, as well as playing the time talking game.

Neil King