Emma Hutchinson
Hummingbirds
© 2003 Emma Hutchinson (634479115165)
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Every song tells a story with this British jazz/soul songwriter & vocalist. From ballsy attitude-laden funk to heart-wrenching soul ballad in an instant. **** Blues & Soul magazine.
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"Hummingbirds", the debut CD from British songwriter-vocalist Emma Hutchinson is now available at CD Baby. Given a 4 star rating by respected international publication Blues & Soul, the release features 11 self-penned tracks. An addictive blend of wistful ballads, fresh funk and deliciously jazzy soul, the album was recorded at Jim Barr's (Portishead) J&J Studios in Bristol, UK during 2003.
"If I'm listening to music I want to hear a great song. Doesn't matter what genre it is - pop, soul, funk, jazz tunes - whatever! Intelligent lyrics and a catchy melody. So my M.O. is to write the kind of song I would like to hear on a CD or on the radio.
Vocal jazz has influenced me hugely. My Dad was a jazz singer and although he died when I was a child my Mum used to play me his records, so I grew up listening to classic songs by Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, the Gershwins and so on. What else? I'm a Motown junkie. And the Beatles and Brian Wilson - great harmonies! Stevie obviously. Bacharach & David. Ashford & Simpson. Joni Mitchell. Carole King. Al Jarreau. Female vocalists? Aretha, of course. Roberta Flack. Chaka Khan.
Anyway, many songs on this CD were written when I was living in Hollywood in 1996. Some began as song-writing exercises I devised to learn jazz chords. It was 95 degrees and I'd be playing guitar and dripping sweat on Mickey Baker's jazz guitar book. Others I wrote in the summer of 2003 based on poetry I'd written which suggested a melody to me. I write about whatever is on my mind at the time. Were We Never In Love? is about my marriage break-up, Altaea is about my youngest niece and Homeless In Hollywood was sparked by the street people I used to chat with on Hollywood Boulevard.
Coming from a jazz background I get off on working with great musicians live in the studio and I'm very fortunate in having an incredible band of jazz musicians who 1) can play anything and who therefore 2) interpret my songs beautifully so that 3) I look great! Since they can read each other's minds, generally we only do 2 or 3 takes of each song. Then I choose the best overall take and overdub the backing vocals. Because I do a lot of gigs I'm used to singing live with bands generally and reacting to their playing - and vice versa. In fact I often end up using the guide vocal on the finished track as it tends to have an atmosphere and an electricity that I don't get singing along to the band after the event. An example of that is Nature Takes Me In Her Arms. That was the 3rd take and the lead vocal is one live take, no drop-ins."
Band:
EH/lead & backing vocals
Gary Bamford/Fender Rhodes, organ
Guy Harrup/guitar
Valere Speranza/bass
Rob Brian/drums
The youngest daughter of jazz and cabaret singer-pianist Hutch (Leslie A. J. Hutchinson), Emma Hutchinson doesn't remember her father, who died when she was four. However, she listened to his records as a child and thus learned many jazz standards by osmosis. Exposed to a wide variety of music â€" her stepfather played blues guitar and reggae, her mother loved musicals and classical and her sister’s Led Zeppelin and Genesis albums reverberated round the house - she was obsessed with singing, writing poetry and listening to the radio, to which she attributes her broad taste in music. Influences include Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Motown, the Beatles, Elvis Costello and Bacharach & David. Initially she began as a backing vocalist in soul and funk cover bands while working her day-job as a linguist/export manager.
In the early 90’s her fascination with accapella music led to the formation of Thrush, an all-girl accapella group performing her satirical and politicized songs with titles like “The Green Shoots Of Recovery”, “Women On Their Way To Work” and “Give A Voice To The Voiceless.” The success of Thrush led to her joining semi-professional accapella group Sweet Soul Sisters as a songwriter/vocalist in 1992. Live concerts, international radio & TV appearances and the popular Freshly Squeezed CD followed. In 1995, following the band’s sell-out performances in Canada, Emma moved to Los Angeles. There she taught herself jazz guitar and played through jazz real books to rediscover the repertoire associated with her father. Participating in legendary jazz drummer Billy Higgins' workshops and sitting-in at gigs and jam sessions honed her vocal jazz chops. With her new-found musical knowledge she began writing again and composed many of the songs which were to appear on her debut jazz/soul CD Hummingbirds.
Returning to the UK in 2000, Emma became a full-time musician and formed the Emma Hutchinson Jazz Quintet, the Emma Hutchinson Blues Band and the Emma Hutchinson Groove Trio, gigging around the UK while also beginning work recording Hummingbirds, which was released in December 2003 on her own Flying Jewel label. In 2004 she collaborated with Gary Bamford to produce the VoxPop Vocal Warm-Ups & Workouts for Contemporary Singers CD, a vocal exercise resource for students and teachers. Her latest CD, the EP Let Me Be Me, was released in May 2005, and is also available from CD Baby.
reviews
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- author: Bill Buckley, Blues & Soul Magazine
I know nothing about Emma Hutchinson, save this lovely, gentle little album was recorded down in Bristol in 2003, so maybe it's been doing the rounds for a while. I don't know. I do know, however, that Ms Hutchinson has a warm, emotive, melodic voice and she clearly knows how to write the songs that suit it best. All eleven songs are original and they cover a wide range. "Homeless In Hollywood" and "Were We Never In Love" have a sound that reminds me of Swing Out Sister's last album, while "Nature Takes Me In Her Arms" and "Don't Give Up On Love" are thoughtful, jazzy ballads. "I Miss The Rain" has a jazz undertow too, courtesy of some nifty alto from Andy Kinsman, whle "The Subject Is U" is a swaying bossa nova. Most ambitious offering is the title cut. "Hummingbirds" floats in on a dreamy Rhodes figure and the clever lyrics and the warmth of the voice engage throughout. Indeed that's the charm of the album. It's engaging. There's nothing here that offends and the subtle pace changes mean you find yourself listening to it all the way through. Now, how many recent albums can you say that about? If you want to investigate, try www.emmahutchinson.com. 4 stars **** out of 5
Beautiful album with a rare mix of soulful delicacy and grit
author: Ruth HammondEmma Hutchinson's "Hummingbirds" is a beautiful album with a rare mixture of soulful delicacy and grit - both in Emma's voice and in the subject matter of her songs. Emma pulls you in on each song - especially the heartfelt "Don't give up on love" which is a real gem.
- author: Dirk
The name Hutchinson may sound familiar to some of you. You may remember Leslie Arthur Hutchinson (Hutch), the famous cabaret artist and jazz singer, who had sold millions of records in his peak years from the early 1920's till the late 40's. Emma Hutchinson is Hutch's youngest daughter and after singing with British a capella group Sweet Soul Sisters from 1992 on and later forming the Emma Hutchinson Quintet and the Emma Hutchinson Blues Band we finally get her debut album Hummingbirds. And what a brilliant album it is. Full of fresh, original compositions that comes to you in best jazz/funk/soul fashion with warm Fender Rhodes, organ, drums, bass, guitars, percussion and saxophon. Congratulations to Emma for finding musicians like Gary Bamford (Fender Rhodes, organ), Valère Speranza (bass) or Rob Brian (drums) who create a relaxed sound that just oozes class and is full of reminiscences of soul music's halcyon days of the 70's. All songs were written by Emma. She wrote most of them when she was married to an American actor and lived in Hollywood in 1996. That's why the first track is called Homeless In Hollywood, a great jazz-funk groove about shattered and broken dreams in Tinseltown ("I’m homeless in Hollywood/ I’ve pawned everything I own/ Don’t you know the desert’s cold at night/ And dreams don’t keep you warm/ When you’re sitting on the sidewalk lonely and cold/ I had some dreams a long, long time ago/ But now they’re gone, where did they go?/ I don’t know") Were We Never In Love? sees Emma reflecting on her marriage break-up over a fine soulful midtempo song ("Love’s a precious thing/ If you pull off its wings/ There is nothing you can mend/ To make it fly again/ What was beautiful’s in tatters/ Cos we forget what matters"). Don't Give Up On Love is a beautiful ballad that gives you hope even if you're love affair has turned sour. Living in Hamburg/Germany, a town that is notorious for its rainy days, a song title like I Miss The Rain sounds a little odd to me, but this is a swinging midtempo track with Andy Kirman on alto saxophone, that just makes me believe everything Emma sings about. Emma also wrote a song about her niece Altaea, a sung declaration of love that comes in the shape of a jazzy ballad. Altaea can be very proud of her aunt. With eleven songs on offer there are many more great songs I could rave about like the soul lullaby On A Wing And A Prayer or the title track Hummingbirds, yet another brilliant ballad. But to cut a long story short, I just advice you to get this album since this is really a must have for 2004, just like Monica Dillon's All I Have Is A Moment for example. Emma cites almost every good musician as her influence like Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, the Gershwins, the Beatles, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Burt Bacharach, Ashford & Simpson, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Al Jarreau, Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack and Chaka Khan. And after having listened to Hummingbirds over and over again, you'll discover that Emma has studied her masters very attentively. But she's not copying anyone although you find echoes of Roberta Flack or Carole King for example, Emma has really developed her own style and that's what makes this album so great. And of course the fact that this is the perfect album you can play on a warm summer evening (though it may even warm the coldest winter day)...but since spring is approaching in Europe, I guess I just long for really warm days outside and Hummingbirds will the perfect soundtrack for these days.
Emma provides the whole package - lyrics, tunes, voice and backing!
author: Keith KinsellaA first class debut album with heartfelt intelligent lyrics and a range of catchy tunes that grow on you with repeated listening. Her jazz influenced singing style ranges easily across the soul, blues,and funk genres showing plenty of emotion, and she's supported by lively arrangements and an excellent backing band
What a songwriting talent from the UK. Every song is fresh and different!
author: john@bluesconnections.com‘Hummingbirds’ showcases the songs of Emma Hutchinson written during her time spent in L.A. The infectious ‘Homeless in Hollywood’ leads you into a varied selection of forged jazz/soul arrangements culminating in the title track ‘Hummingbirds’. Each song’s diversity is its freshness! As with most talented songwriters, don’t be surprised to discover Emma’s songs being performed by her contemporaries. An album with Emma singing the blues is also rumoured to be forthcoming soon… Let’s hope!
Wicked album - love it
author: Jane EdwardsHeard the album round at a friend's and loved it - definitely one that can be played time and time again. Recommended!
- author: Les
Fantastic record. Smooth honeyed vocals glide effortlessly over well crafted intricate melodies from start to finish. A real slice of the British Soul.
Great new album from a great new vocalist!
author: Ben RayThis is a fantastic album! The vocal is so tight and the melodies hit you like a sweet, strong cappuchinno for the soul. Buy it now.
Perceptive, intuitive, soulful - sounds a chord
author: Lizzie MorrisThis is music to listen to when you want to think AND feel. Touches the soul and empathetically describes situations and emotions we all struggle to understand and live with. Emma has a voice of jazz, blues and poetry. It will strike a chord.
This kicks a large amount of bottom.
author: RoachThe voice of an angel.
Deliciously melancholic, funky jazz masterpiece. Beautiful.
author: Joe Spurgeon, Freelance JournoUK based Emma Hutchinson's debut album delivers a delectable selection of toe tapping, string laden funk, rubbing shoulders with heart felt, sumptuous jazzy soul. Some genuinely moving, semi autobiographical lyrics perfectly compliment the tight musical arrangement and the albums real tour de force, Emma's soaring vocals. This album is devilishly addictive and showcases Emma's myriad of musical talents. A cut above.
Great, superb, excellent, amazing
author: Damien MantoulanThe great singer song writter Emma Hutchinson is a style apart. It is difficult to define her jazzy-funky-soul music, but we can say that she has definitely created a unique style ... and I love it. For a debut CD, it's amazing and I look forward to the next installment.
Emma Hutchinson is a major talent as singer and song writer.
author: Bernie HodgesThis fantastic album draws you in with its gritty lyrical content and its uplifting soulful grooves. Taking you from the darknes of a failing relationship with "were we ever in Love" to the sunny streets of LA and a witty song about struggling artists called "homeless in Hollywood". The track "Nature takes you in her arms" engulfs you and sweeps you away to a summers day in the country. All the songs on this album reflect a truth and reality that many listners will identify with. Emma Hutchinson is a major talent as a singer and song writer. More albums please....
An album worthy of anyone's record collection
author: Kizzy MorrellEmma Hutchinson, what I would call a real singer. Her album is beautiful and meaningful - lyrics that tell a story with emotion and passion. Truly an album worthy of anyone's record collection from one of our finest singer-songwriters.
Great songs, written and sung from the heart
author: Keith Warmington, BBC Radio BristolGreat songs, written and sung from the heart with a top bunch of players.
Beautiful debut album that gets better each time you listen
author: Joanne Schofield, SOS FMThe debut album from Emma Hutchinson is a constant companion. Each song tells a different story beautifully changing the mood with every track. The songs, all written by Emma, draw you in as she takes you on a personal journey. Her voice is strong and smooth... virtually every tune is a new showcase of her skill... with the emotion in tracks like 'Nature Takes You In Her Arms' you have an album that gets better each time you listen.