“Best current British blues singer I know.” - Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music
“Rolling bluesy folk” – Kwame Kwaten, Manager to Laura Mvula
“Melissa’s vocals are sensitive, soulful and emotional...” - Maverick
Stripped Back is the beautifully intimate and bold new release from London based singer-songwriter Melissa James.
A return to the recording studio last summer has resulted in a mini album of acoustic songs from the soulful-folk singer to allow the stories behind the lyrics to unfold. The depth of Melissa’s voice is highlighted as is the beautiful instrumental accompaniment of Tom Gamble’s guitar playing and Arthur Lea’s performance on piano. These songs – co-written with her collaborator, Ross Lorraine - were recorded live and illustrate Melissa’s vulnerability and leave her with nowhere to hide which truly allows each song to shine.
Melissa’s stories chart growth and hurt and bring to the fore the tales that are built into her own life as well as those lives and influences that have surrounded her. A follow-up to her 2012 debut, Day Dawns, Stripped Back is a collection of candidly moving songs and the overall result is heartfelt and raw.
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