Hilary Grist ''Imaginings''
Radio 2 friendly Canadian songstress
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This album kicks off in a very positive way with a couple of up beat piano driven tracks that could have been performed ( and indeed written by ) Ben Folds. This is a good thing and there is a feeling that you are in safe if not necessarily exciting hands.
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Track 3 ‘This the year’ continues the template – great production, effortless and clear vocals and a hook that digs deeper with every play. Next up ‘Tall Buildings’ which is a Suzanne Vega track except it isn’t in her back catalogue and was written by Hilary Grist! The song itself floats between the melancholy narrative and a killer chorus. ‘Back in Town’ reaffirms the Vega comparison as Grist delivers a cut glass vocal over a Kurt Weilesque piano and trumpet. Jaunty Grist cites Norah Jones as an inspiration in her ability to combine jazz with pop and ‘About You’ could be from Jones’s songbook. The album continues to mine this seam of quality without really producing a killer track but that said there is a talent here that will reward listens with a friend. Solid songs from the heart produced with care. Can’t ask for more really.
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