Hannah
- Everything Is Changing
Snowdog Records
Songwriter and pianist Hannah has released five albums in her native Estonia, but this sixth set aims at breaking her internationally. James McMillan has brought a deft touch to these songs as producer, but what Hannah already has is buckets of confidence. Moody actress looks are no hindrance, either.
Whatever the origins and inspiration of this material, the delivery evokes (of all people) US songstress Faith Hill. The backing instrumentation is very pro, puddingy drum sound et al but there are few production surprises. Everything serves the songs, but that’s the aim. At no point does this record sound like a group interacting but presumably in a live setting this studio cool is hopefully left behind.
The next single ‘I See’ does to these ears stand every chance of breaking through as it’s a jaunty strings-enhanced poprock melodic little belter. Could be the Corrs ! And with them off the radar still….there are times when these tracks evoke the medium’s subtler creators – Catherine Howe, Judy Tzuke, even David Gates. No bad thing.
‘The Way’ has a trumpet-through-delay element that could have been much more pronounced – no need to play so safe all the way through an album, all the best records ring the changes. As Tori Amos would testify.
The romantic ambience is best sustained where the tune is strongest as on ‘Those Days’ where Hannah’s performance is as good as anyone’s in MOR or pop. With exemplary orchestral arrangements giving a Streisand feel and a clear but unaffected vocal style, this disc achieves its creators’ goals. But more adventure next time, please
Pete Sargeant FAIR HEARING
