Da’Nelle – Home

The coffee shop hues of the CD cover suggest something both mellow, smooth and maybe even a little bland. However, on first listening it is clear that Home is both mellow, smooth but anything but bland.

Established artist Da’Nelle Harvey hails from North London and has been performing for many years. Home is released on the Fairtrade Media label and is dedicated to the people of the village of Mtondeza in Malawi.

Title track Home is a heartbreaking plea from one lover to another in which Da’Nelle’s voice soars with ease and grace. Indeed, her voice is beautiful but distinctive containing a sometimes childlike delicacy. She also manages to use the ubiquitous melisma pronunciation without employing the transatlantic drawl so often favoured by soul singers. Her vocals on track three, Not So Long Ago, are subtle and controlled but hint at a vast range which makes me want to hear her deliver a more powerful soul ballad.

Released on the Fairtrade Media label, a percentage of the proceeds of sales of Home will go towards Tradecrafts overseas development work. So, not only a worthy cause but a worthy addition to any CD collection for anyone interested in hearing a fresh and exciting talent.

Writer: Nancy Hogg  

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