Sarah Ellen Hughes - Darning the Dream

Vocal-led Jazz quartet featuring special guests Dave O'Higgins and Ian Shaw. Liner notes from Sebastian Scotney: DARNING THE DREAM. Dorothy Parker once made a joke about Katherine Hepburn, that she ran the whole gamut of emotions from A to B. There are singers, there are albums like that which find the comfort of one groove and one mood. But this is not that kind of record. The twelve musically diverse songs on this, the debut CD of London singer Sarah Ellen Hughes, take on, without fear, a stunning range of emotional content. The very first words of the first song introduce the listener to Hughes's infectious straightforwardness and candour : I can only give you love�. In complete contrast try the drama and the happy sparring with Ian Shaw in Devil May Care. Then, a world away, Darning the Dream, the emotional heart of the album, an intense narrative about dealing with loss. And Love for Sale with its hefty and unexpected jolt in the middle. This is a great band. Drummer Darren Altman is an impressive lynch-pin throughout. Piano duties are from the ever-subtle Rick Simpson. Two bassists on different tracks Tom Farmer and Andy Hamill contrast nicely. And guests Dave O�Higgins, Jim Hart and Ian Shaw are all at their tip-top best here. There's another fine musician to introduce: Sarah Ellen Hughes has done all twelve arrangements, and they are full of unexpected and felicitous twists and turns. She absolutely belongs in the company of these fine musicians. Because she's one of them. Sebastian Scotney LondonJazz