Hannah Brine: ‘Blue Sky Now’

Out now is ‘Blue Sky Now’, a stunning collection of original songs, created and sung beautifully by Hannah Brine and produced by phenomenal guitarist and band leader Jamie McCredie.

Each song on Blue Sky Now feels like a deep exploration of the singer’s soul, with Brine’s mellifluous voice clear and direct in bringing emotion into our ears.

This is also an exceptional band behind the voice, with Jamie McCredie (guitar), Hamish Balfour and Jamie Safir (piano), Ian King (bass), Chris Draper (drums) and Freddie Gavita (trumpet), with a string section of Debs White and Dave Larkin (violin), Reiad Chibah (viola) and Julia Graham (cello).

Brine created this collection of songs alongside accomplished lyricist and songwriter Michael Garvin, with writing and performing collaborations that allow the singer to still be at the fore.

Hannah says: “This album is my life's work and I’ve been able to embrace the styles which have influenced me through my life, from listening to my mum’s Joni Mitchell records growing up, to my love of jazz and ultimately my love of songs. As a child growing up in the 90s, I always wanted to sing with Gary Barlow at a white baby grand - well I’ve performed with him on Strictly Come Dancing, and I’m sure some of his pop sensibility has rubbed off on me too. I write songs to connect to myself, and hopefully they will connect with others too. It's been a dream to work with Jamie and the team and I hope I’ve made my ‘Tapestry’. Though it is a life's work, I feel in some ways it's always the beginning."

If you only listen to one track on this album, I would recommend the gentle This Little Ship - it’s a delightful example of Brine singing from the heart, with collaboration on the music from Jeff Franzel and on lyrics with Michael Garvin. It’s the perfect way to say farewell with affection.

Blue Sky Now is a lovely album and if you have a chance to hear Brine in performance, it’s well worth it for an engaging and enchanting show, with songs that really feel like they mean something.