Helene Greenwood - Collectable You. Promo. CD (2013) VGC.

11 tracks. Produced by acclaimed folk producer Calum MaColl (Son of folk legends Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger) with Martyn Barker (Billy Bragg/Beth Gibbons) on drums, James Hallawell (The Waterboys) on keyboards and Arnulf Lindner (KT Tunstall) on bass, 'Collectable You' is a stunning mix of contemporary, alternative pop with shades of both folk and jazz. Influenced by everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to Radiohead and Fiona Apple, the album was written after the birth of Helene's children and tackles what she calls 'domestic claustrophobia.' Highlights include lead track 'Break In, Break Out' which features lingering harmonies that explode into a soaring chorus and 'After The Fire' – a personal favourite of Helene's, backed with raging drums and atmospheric baselines; the singer calls it her most moody song. “People become stuck in a routine and this song is about breaking out from that.” Elsewhere infectious first single, 'In The Sunshine' echoes Regina Spektor with its melancholic vocals and soft piano backing. While Spindrift Road shows off an experimental instrumentation echoing Rain Dogs-era Tom Waits – the result of Helene going for a 60's influenced sound with jazz overtones. And don't miss 'Fools Rush In', a song originally recorded by Frank Sinatra (among others) – Helene puts her own stamp on Sinatra's original opting to strip it down and make it solely about the voice and message. Born and raised in Dover, Helene grew up listening to her grandfather playing Scott Joplin & Bach, whilst her father played her the likes of Doris Day, Stranglers, Kate Bush & The Beatles. At the age of 6 she was already playing the piano, on which she continued to excel throughout school, before at 18 going to study at the Royal Academy of Music. After fine-tuning her technical ability she then enrolled in another course at Royal Holloway, where she developed her performance style. But then life got in the way. Making music was put on hold, whilst parenthood took over, becoming a music teacher alongside raising her family. After the birth of her daughter, Helene took another look at her life and began to write music again, “I didn't want to teach anymore. I re-assessed and decided that only 'you' can make things happen.” The result? An accomplished album full of eclectic sounds and influences, tied together with Helene's unique song-writing. “My songs don't always follow a set 'verse chorus' structure,” says Helene. “I want to take people on a journey with my music and make them visit places they wouldn't normally expect to go. I can't wait for people to hear my message and music. It's been a long time coming.