Now you know I'm not into that acousticy singer-songwritery folky thing. It seems to be a world full of fey, whinging, unemployable students who think that the world is treating them unkindly, whereas actually, the world is treating them exactly how they should be treated. With contempt.
But I do make the odd exception. Strange to relate, but most of these exceptions seem to involve attractive young women with guitars. Perhaps I am as shallow as everyone says I am. Frankly, I don't care. It's one of the great joys of being shallow. Anyway, the latest person to invoke the exemption clause is Leddra Chapman. This is her debut album, and it's a remarkably assured first effort.
Hers is a world full of harpsichords, brass bands and clever arrangements which helps lift what could have been a set of so-so songs into a much better place. And it's not all doom and gloom either, as 'Summer Song' will attest. But panic ye not. There is plenty of grit and greeting going on, so point your ears towards the likes of 'Eddie' and 'Wrap Me Up', if you're looking for some hanky material.
Ex Jethro Tull man, Peter John Vettese, does a bang up job bringing the best out of the songs from his producers chair, and with Ms Chapman having a rather splendid way with words, to add to the rather engaging songs, it all makes for very pleasant listening. I was particularly taken with the rather poppy 'Jocelin' and the magnificently moody 'A Little Easier'. There's a lot to enjoy here, and I'd be more than happy to hear more from Leddra Chapman.