Review: Miss Tess – Sweet Talk

Miss Tess – Sweet Talk (Signature Sounds)

I’ve always been a fan of the Signature Sounds label. Almost from the off they’ve realized what a broad church Americana is, and their releases have reflected their openness. Miss Tess’ “Sweet Talk” is their latest album, and it’s a doozy, a fantastic mix of old-time country, jazz and swing. Tess and her former jazz-soul-roots band the Bon Ton Parade were favourites on the Americana festival circuit and she’s recaptured that groove on “Sweet Talk”, but with a host of new / old influences. I imagine live they’re a cracking night out, and it’s to the credit of both Tess and her band that they’ve recreated all that fun on a shiny silver disc.

Top tracks come thick and fast, from the ‘50s country-blues croon of “Don’t Tell Mama”, the rump shaking swing of “I Never Thought That I’d Be Lonely” to the gypsy thrills of “Adeline” - and that’s just the first three tracks. If you’re already familiar with the Signature Sounds roster, you’ll probably want to jump right in. For those less enlightened beings, an open mind and a love of post-war American music should see you right.

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Rob F.