Don't forget that all of these tracks (and others) are on my January playlist
Maya Lakhani - Nightfall
Jodie Nicholson - Comfortably Numb Jodie has surpassed herself with this re-interpretation of a classic song, which I know means a lot to her personally. It's immensely beautiful, perfectly measured, and seems to radiate light. Jodie is going from strength to strength, and this recording captures what she's all about. What a talent.
Holly Humberstone - London is Lonely This is a typically warm sounding, but heart-rendingly emotive, song from Holly. It's a track which tells a very identifiable story for anyone that's ever found themselves at large in a big city, but feeling a sense of loneliness or distance from someone they love. I like the way the song includes some very subtle background sounds in places, evoking the feel of London life, perhaps without you fully realising it.
Mark Stevens - Rodeo (EP) Mark is a singer-songwriter from Peterborough who I first heard at a Met Lounge gig last year. He's only been performing his own material for a relatively short time, and I was so happy to be at his EP launch event at The Ostrich last night to see all his hard work pay off (by the way, that is a fantastic pub venue, which is incredibly supportive of live music - big shout out to Graham). Mark is a great guy, and this record captures his US-inflected, honest folk/rock writing really well. 'Santa Fe' is still a firm favourite for me.