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As smooth as a badger’s belly…

Currently on tour over here, New York’s Soul singer Nell Bryden gives us a slice of timeless music that takes pinches of classic styles and genres and plays them back at us with perfection.

First song on the 3-track EP, is the title track, ‘Second Time Around’ and what we get is a big blast of American Jazz mixed with upbeat Blues that gives us something that is a little Amy Whinehouse but minus the drama, and a little bit Duffy but without the husky flow. With tinkling piano keys, plucked bass lines and shuffling drum beats it’s an easily assessable number. Whilst next song, ‘Late Night Call’ is even more catchy in a Soul/Blues way that you can imagine being played in a dark nightclub whilst the siren sings in the bright spot light, pouting her red lipstick, and heating up the gentlemen who are all buying for her attention. Again this song could have been just as comfortable back in the 30’s, or 50’s as here in 2008, and that is a skill in itself.

The final song is a slightly slower number and is a little more Motown in the beats and music. Once again Nell’s vocals have a diva-quality in their low range, and whilst the song isn’t instantly memorable it is still a worthy closer to the EP.

Nell Bryden might be a name worth watching out for as being a better mix of Amy, Duffy and a slow ballad Christina Aguilera. Exciting times are sure to lay ahead…