SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JESSICA LEE MORGAN – AROUND THE BLOCK

Jessica Lee Morgan
Around The Block
Space Records

Jessica Lee Morgan comes from a very musical family. Her mother is singer/songwriter Mary Hopkin (“Those Were The Days”) and her father is producer/musician Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T. Rex to name just two).  Her brother, Morgan Visconti, is also a musician of note.  Around The Block is Jessica Lee Morgan’s second solo album.  Her debut album, I Am Not was released in 2010, but during the past seven years she has toured as a solo artist and as part of the Holy Holy tour with her father.

It is also clear that Jessica has been working on her music during the past feel years. She has put together a very strong, consistent album full of her own songs.  She has help on the album with her partner, Christian Thomas (bass and backing vocals); Simon Adams (drums); Paul Cuddeford (electric guitar); Jules Hay (electric guitar); Morgan Visconti (electric guitar and backing vocals) and her father, Tony Visconti, provides  backing vocals on one track (“This Is My Love Song To You (Live)”).  Jessica plays guitar, ukulele, saxophone, kazoo and percussion.

Around The Block is a unique blend of folk and rock. Christian and Jessica co-produced the album and have a very clear understanding of how to producerom Jessica. The arrangements throughout the album range from sparse to a very full compliment, however the backing is never overpowering nor is it ever overproduced.

Lyrically Jessica writes very straightforward words to accompany the music. “I Am Not” contains fantastic lyrics that address the issue of not being identified by external conventions (such as occupations, appearances, reputations). A brilliant song and a beautiful way to kick off the album. It is also the name of her debut album, so it serves as a link. Many of the songs have an autobiographical feel to them, and Jessica sings them with conviction.

Around The Block is a statement from a serious artist. “I Am Not”, the first song on the album, sums up the album.  Yes, she comes from a famous, musical family, but that is not who she is. She is Jessica Lee Morgan and needs to be heard in this light. Not as a daughter but a serious singer/songwriter.  A great sophomore release, and I hope that there is not another long wait for her third album.

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