Hattie Briggs - Tilly's Song

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 8 / 9 / 2015

Label: Wise Dog Records
Format: Download

intro

In releasing a reworked version of the lead song on her first EP as her new download single, Hattie Briggs once again shows why she’s a leading light on not just the folk scene but music in general

To say that Hattie Briggs impressed with her debut album, ‘Red & Gold’, earlier this year would probably be the understatement of the year. The young British singer, although so obviously influenced by the folk music that was being made before she was brought into this world, captured the spirit and essence of those original songs while adding her own slant to the genre. With her crystal clear vocals and a songwriting talent that belies her young years, Hattie was responsible for introducing a new generation to folk music, albeit with a contemporary touch. But ‘Red & Gold’ wasn’t Hattie’s first release. Like many who were smitten with her debut album we had to backtrack and lend an ear to an EP (mini-album?), ‘My Shepherd’s Hut’, which was the forerunner to the album. While three of the seven songs featured on ‘My Shepherd’s Hut’ finally made it to that debut album (although not necessarily the same versions) the lead-off track ‘Tilly’s Song’ didn’t make the cut. It wasn’t surprising,as how do you improve on perfection? The pureness in Hattie’s vocals as the song starts was one of those hair standing on the back of your neck moments. The acoustic backing only served to highlight just how pure, unique and honest Hattie’s vocals were. Here was a song, even in this sparse setting, that didn’t need any embellishment so there was a little trepidation when news came through that Hattie had re-recorded ‘Tilly’s Song’ for release as her new single which is now available as a download through iTunes and the other usual online stores. With Peter Waterman once again adding his magic touch in the producer’s chair, there really wasn’t any reason to worry. Adding banjo and percussion to the song actually enhances Hattie’s vocal performance rather than taking away any of the pureness in her voice. The song obviously gains a fuller-band sound and will appeal to a wider group of people than the original cut. There are those, unfortunately as they are missing out on so much great music, who will shy away from any music that is even remotely tagged as folk. While Hattie and her bunch of musicians have already done much to dispel the old image that folk music conjures up in some people by making it more accessible, with this version of ‘Tilly’s Song’ they have taken things a stage further. While these ears would gladly listen to the original version of this song all day long and still not get tired of it, there is no denying that this make-over has given the song not just a new life but more life. Hattie’s song to her childhood friend, Matilda, was touching without being overly sentimental even when it was presented in its stripped-back form, but embellishing the sound with banjo gives the song a lift and takes it in a different direction. While losing none of the intimacy of the original recording, this new version opens up the song and adds a little more energy overall which is going to make the track appeal even to those who still feel that folk music is a dirty word. As usual with Hattie’s singles there’s an accompanying video which illustrates the song perfectly and can be seen here: http://hattiebriggs.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=31ae5858c2acc655e7d6c69e7&id=d417a9e5b5&e=7191213914 As an introduction to the music of Hattie Briggs it’s a perfect song and video, but be aware that ‘Red & Gold’ contains ten songs that are as strong as ‘Tilly’s Song’ and are, for the most part, cut from the same cloth, so be prepared to add that to your wants list too. The songs, the right musicians and producer, videos that bring her songs to life, it seems that Hattie Briggs has it all. Oh and then there’s that voice…

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