REVIEWS

"I know nothing about Emma Hutchinson, save this lovely, gentle little album was recorded down in Bristol.  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, while "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 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?  ****  Bill Buckley, Blues & Soul magazine


“A great record.”  Upper Room with Joe Kelley, WVOF FM, Connecticut

“I’ve long considered Emma Hutchinson on of the most versatile singers on the Bristol scene.  Blues, soul, jazz standards – she’s really got it down.  Her new album, Hummingbirds, not only confirms my suspicions but reveals an even greater range to her talents.  She has created a very contemporary, classy album – and she can write memorable songs.  I could hear hints of Carole King, Joni Mitchell, even a little Patti Austin, while “The Subject Is U” would not have disgraced Steely Dan.  These are all compliments.  Everybody has influences but it is the final product that counts.  Hummingbirds is 100% Emma Hutchinson – and for that, we should be grateful.”  STAR FM

…my top moments came on Saturday, with Emma Hutchinson’s well-structured soulful songs vying with Dennis Rollins’s trombone ensemble… both undoubted treats.”  Venue Magazine (live set at Bristol Harbour Festival)

“With this new CD Emma Hutchinson really finds her true musical self.  Sassy, sophisticated, great songs beautifully played and produced, and her voice just gets better.  Lovely stuff.”  BBC Radio Bristol.

"...playing Emma Hutchinson’s own material, the sets are eclectic, and this makes for a consistently interesting evening.  Emma’s voice is very powerful, and she’s brilliantly confident with it… her assured approach really benefits her melodies, especially in the slower tracks.  Bringing momentum right down and chilling it all out with ‘Nature Takes Me In Her Arms’ … amongst others interspersed throughout the set, each and every lyrical sentiment is absorbed by the audience, and it’s quite tear-jerking stuff.  The band have a lot of friends and fans here tonight, and whilst throwing out several plugs to their last album and a new EP they play consistently well.  The club fills up at around eleven, and despite the rather strange combination of fans of jazz and the slightly more bleary eyed fans of beer, and a definite increase in noise level, Emma is professional in her resilience and doesn’t seem at all affected.  Look out for future gigs at Moles and about the land.”  Chris Chislett, Moles Club, Bath 

"UK-based Emma Hutchinson's debut album delivers a delectable selection of toe-tapping, string-laden funk, rubbing shoulders with heartfelt, sumptuous jazzy soul.  Some genuinely moving, semi-autobiographical lyrics perfectly complement the tight musical arrangements and the album's real tour de force, Emma's soaring vocals. This album is devilishly addictive and showcases Emma's myriad musical talents.  A cut above."  Joe Spurgeon, Venue magazine

"The beautiful 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."  Joanne Schofield, SOS FM

"Wicked album - love it!  Heard the album round at a friend's and loved it - definitely one that can be played time and time again. Recommended!"  Jane Edwards, on CD Baby

"Emma Hutchinson is a major talent as singer and song writer.  This fantastic album draws you in with its gritty lyrical content and its uplifting soulful grooves. Taking you from the darkness of a failing relationship with "Were We Never In Love?" to the sunny streets of LA and a song about struggling artists called "Homeless In Hollywood". The track "Nature Takes You In Her Arms" engulfs you and sweeps you away to a summer's day in the country.  All the songs on this album reflect a truth and reality that many listeners will identify with. 
More albums please...."  Bernie Hodges, on CD Baby