Starting Anew
Splice, 2022
9/10
The New Orleans artist Maggie Belle possesses a set of mesmerizing pipes, and this debut album is one full of both light and dark textures that reflect her experience working as a nurse during the pandemic.
The title track opens the listen with Belle’s very expressive and soulful pipes alongside warm piano that builds into a jazz friendly climate with a hint of pop, too, and “Buckling Down” follows with a very stylish display of playful bass, restrained drums and, of course, Belle’s inimitable pipes that can get quite firm.
Deeper into the listen, the mysterious “Hometown” rumbles with a late night spirit that uses brass precisely amid the diverse singing, while “Hold Me” pairs Belle’s inimitable pipes with elegant piano in the powerful delivery that eventually welcomes horns and swift drumming to the New Orleans tinted album highlight.
Close to the end, “Mama” is full of vivid storytelling in a darker tone that’s quite articulate, and “She Is” exits the listen with one of the fuller selections, where a dreamy tone and dynamic, inviting instrumentation illuminates Belle’s thoughtful talent.
A very diverse first effort that embraces blues, soul, R&B and no lack of rhythm, Belle’s timeless vision of song craft and stunning voice make for an incredible performance.
Travels well with: Jane Bruce- My Bed; Heather Sarona- Head Above Water