Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Tyne-and-Wear-based children's author Bryce has donned her singer/songwriter hat in an accomplished followup album to her 2007 debut 'No Deals, No Promises'. With the help of veteran local musicians Tony Schofield and Colin Bradshaw on guitars and bass respectively as well as a host of other contributors, Bryce and her expert band kick off with the Americana-tinged "Mist" which sets the scene for a collection of mostly self-penned songs from the heart. Bryce's writing style is quietly evocative - the Alzheimer's-themed "Spinning" and the socially aware "Workers' Song" (complete with surprise ending) are prime examples - and her output is aided no end by a fine vocal performance that is reminiscent of the likes of fellow songstresses Emmylou Harris and Nanci Griffith. To keep things varied, Bryce subtly switches between styles and is just at home in the late night jazz of "Closing Time" or the folky "Hexham Tan" as she is in the cod gospel blues of "Waiting" - one of only a few tracks that directly reference matters of faith. There are some genuinely lovely moments with an authentic-sounding coal mine brass section adding context to the aforementioned "Hexham Tan" whilst a stirringly atmospheric take on the traditional "The Water Is Wide" features a stellar turn from guitarist Tony Schofield. Covers of Kevin Montgomery's "Broken" and the Gretchen Peters classic "On A Bus To St Cloud" are the icing on the cake of this hugely enjoyable release.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.