Manchester-born, Dublin-raised, Wicklow-educated and now resident in London, Helena Jesele is already a veteran of the London jazz scene, cutting her chops at Ronnie Scott’s and Café Royale. Citing influences from Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin to Frank Sinatra, she has a wonderfully effervescent and soulful voice. Combined with a slew of memorable, self-penned songs and the production nous of Brooklyn crew Truth & Soul (Aloe Blacc) and Paul O’Duffy (Amy Winehouse), you get a fully-formed record exuding confidence and sassy style.
Opener ‘Breath In Love’ is evocative of a classic Bond Theme with dramatic brass, crawling bass and an infectious melody. Last year’s single ‘Sun Is Rising’, meanwhile, is irresistible feel-good pop.
The title track and ‘Lovesick Avenue’ combine blissful late night nu-soul with ultra cool jazz; and ‘Girl In London’ evokes Carnaby Street in its swinging heyday with echoes of Dusty Springfield, Petula Clarke and Sandie Shaw. ‘Smash My Heart’ could have been written by Burt Bacharach for Dionne Warwick. File under: could be absolutely huge.