Every now and then I receive an album of which I have no expectations but pleasantly surprises and "Spring Hill" by Chloe Hall (vocal and guitar) and Silas Palmer (fiddle/percussion/voice) proves the point nicely. Funnily enough I had just been playing some tracks by Suzanne Vega (thank God for iTunes!) and in a way this recording wouldn't seem out of place in my female singer/songwriter collection from the mid 80's. Opening with the technically nuanced "Call Somebody" where the phrasing is all important brings a knowledge of dramatic effect vividly to the fore showing a thought process clearly aimed at entering the consciousness of those willing to `listen' carefully to lyrics. Also, the arrangements prove the old adage that less is more with only a hint of colour instrumentally expertly placed to bolster Hall's impressive guitar accompaniment. Having captured my imagination I just couldn't stop playing the album until the end with the proof (for me at least) that there's not a duff track here. Trust me...this is a rare thing in my position as a reviewer who enjoys the luxury of the fast forward button if I'm not sure about certain songs. On another track, the beguiling "Tax Office Love Song" Ms Hall has a way with words that makes you feel she wouldn't be a good candidate for the Jeremy Kyle Show (she'd be far too clever for his `probing' questions) or is that just my snobbish view rising to the surface? If you haven't guessed it already I`m totally smitten and if there was a star rating high enough I'd say it had gone inter-galactic! Now, if you'll excuse me I'm just off to play the whole recording again.
PETE FYFE
