Risa Hall - New York Nights

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 13 / 7 / 2014

Label: Risa Hall
Format: CDS

intro

Compelling tribute to her home city on addictive new EP from New York-born but Manchester-based singer-songwriter, Risa Hall

Risa Hall’s debut album has been released a couple of times now, the latest issue going under the title of ‘Second Chance’ (originally the album was titled ‘Glass Half…?’). We were mightily impressed by the versatility Hall showed on that set. A remarkably powerful vocalist, Hall’s music wasn’t confined to just one genre. Taking in the blues, jazz, folk and pop Hall displayed that she could hop from genre to genre and craft her own unique take on any music she cared to tackle. ‘New York Nights’ is a four-track EP bringing us up to date with Hall’s music, and, while there can be little criticism of the actual musical content, this is one occasion where the EP format just isn’t enough; while leaving the listener wanting more is no bad thing and four songs is perfect for most artists to convey where they are at a certain point in time, the songs on this EP are so strong and, as expected from Hall, so diverse while still making a connection that after the last few sounds of the last song, ‘Ethereal Waters’, fade away you just want to hear more from this talented musician. While the answer is to play the EP again, such is the effect of that last song you just want to hear what else Hall is doing musically right now. That said who could blame New York-born Hall for wanting to capture her musical visions of her birth home and share them, especially when it’s done with as such skill and passion as Hall does on ‘New York Nights’. As with her debut album, Hall once again displays her ability to mix different genres so easily to create music that is not only instantly appealing but that stays with the listener. The opening ‘Kids On Victoria Avenue’ is a jaunty feel-good song, Hall describing the inspiration she gets from the kids making music on the street while conveying that same emotion to those listening to her music. It’s an uplifting song, full of hope, and a perfect introduction to Hall’s latest offering. In typically Hall fashion, the following ‘Air Of Availability’ takes us on a completely different route, with Victoria Martin’s flute contribution playing a major part in the atmosphere created in this song, especially as the track unfolds Hall is spurred on to produce one of her best vocal performances to date. The interplay between guitar, flute and that voice is stunning, a real musical treat. It’s another song where Hall creates a sound of her own, full of little twists and turns. This is no lightweight pop or rock song despite having a catchy chorus. The third song, which is the title track, reverts back to the opening song in that it’s a catchy sing-along which again displays a feel good factor, and leaves the listener in little doubt that the musicians Hall has assembled here understand her perfectly. It’s an addictive song, especially given the backing vocals that will have even the most unmusical listener oohing along, and while one can understand Hall naming this short collection after this song she has saved the best for last… ‘Ethereal Waters’ closes the album, and, even though the three preceding songs are all well crafted and excellently performed, this song really is something else. The use of flute once again creates such atmosphere to a song that displays Hall’s folkier side; Hall really does take you on a journey with this track. It’s one of those songs where the listener is so totally enveloped in the song it’s almost scary. To state that it’s the most affecting song that Hall has so far recorded can only be appreciated when you’ve listened to the diversity Hall displayed on her debut album as she certainly covered a lot of ground there, but this really is an outstanding piece of music, brilliantly sung, played and produced. While ‘New York Nights’ is a perfect introduction to the outstanding musical talent that is Risa Hall, you really need Hall’s debut album as well to get the full picture of just how special she is. Right now it’s impossible to get through the day without listening to ‘Ethereal Waters’ at least once, but Risa Hall is such a wealth of ideas and talent that you really need all her music in your life. Try and get the physical EP if you can. It makes the whole project more complete and has a nice retro feel about it.

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