Hailing from Down Under is singer songwriter Jessie Sparks, whose last name is a bit of a moniker for her new release “Breathe Easy”. The self produced cd features guitarist Mark Donnelly, keyboardist Nathan Low and bassist Ken Lim providing a well orchestrated backdrop for Sparks’ out of the ordinary vocals. Comparisons thus far have been in the realm of PJ Harvey or Norah Jones, but “Breathe Easy” showcases a more cabaret style than Jones or Harvey would be known for. Think smoky Jazz Club meets Meridith Brooks.
The 12 track cd almost has a Broadway show appeal, as the listener truly feels they are tuning into a sound track despite Sparks’ intent to “present her music as simply and as unadorned as possible”-As a testament to Sparks’ vocalizations, it probably was the intent but at the end of cd, it still comes across as a “fill the room” production filled with torch songs and ballads.
“Breathe Easy” is well crafted and executed- Sparks is a first-rate vocalist and song writer- however trying to bottle her energy into a jewel case seems a bit misplaced. It’s easy to tell that she is a true live performer and while the songs are tight and the music is complimentary, a little goes a long way and “Breathe Easy” teeters on being a bit tedious. It is certain Sparks is a talented singer- what remains to be discovered is how to best market her in such a way that the listener concentrates on that and not skipping to the next track.
