Out Of The Blue: Live At Steelworks Studios (Independent) by Philippa Hanna

Reviewed by Mark Cribben

This is the third CD from the Sheffield-based singer/songwriter and is a "live recorded" mini-album on which the one time pop princess stretches out to include elements of Americana and bluegrass to make something that is refreshingly different to much of the mainstream music we hear today. "Higher" with the banjo more prominent in the mix is probably the most country track of all. The opening "Happy In My Skin" (currently a Cross Rhythms turntable hit) is breathy and bouncy with songwriting credits shared between Hannah and Eliot Kennedy, a fellow Sheffield songwriter with an impressive list of writing credits including Take That and The Spice Girls. There is a great intro to "Mr Right" with the harmonica creating a real atmosphere to the song that continues throughout - transporting you to the American heartland of simple uncomplicated music and emotionally honest lyrics. The standout tracks for me on the project are "Down By The River" and "I Am Amazing" with the latter co-written with Chris Eaton. Overall, this is a refreshing and innovative release.