Charley Macaulay

In 2011 mod impresario Eddie Piller was DJing at a soul weekender, sharing the decks was  funk legend Norman Jay O.B.E. A punter handed Eddie a promo disc which he politely played. The disc contained just one song by a girl from Southampton, of just 17 yrs of age, named Charley Macaulay.

Norman Jay told Eddie that he should sign her to his label (Acid Jazz Records) on the strength of that one recording – he didn’t, she was too busy with college work.

Two years later, Charley (now 19) finished college and finished an album. She visited Acid Jazz Records first, who signed her immediately. The album (written with her young guitarist Tom James) is influenced by the initial roster of Acid Jazz artists, Brand New Heavies, Young Disciples and Dianna Brown but with the pop-savvy ear of a contemporary generation, her songs are catchy, melodic and fresh.

The track from the promo disc, No Good, features on the Acid Jazz compilation album, Soul Potential, released in the spring of 2013 as well as her debut album.

All I Know, (scheduled for late September 2013) is as strong a debut album as anyone could hope to make, soulful, funky, powerful, yet with tender moments that outline the control and quality of her voice and the accomplishment of song writing. The arrangements are tight, the musicianship exemplary. Funkier than Adele, heavier than Winehouse, more soulful than anything offered by The  Heavies, a 'girl next door' artist with Mercury Prize ambition. Stand out tracks include Hard To Say Goodbye, Higher and the incredible Sun Shines Through.

A digital single LoveSick (plus bonus tracks not on the album) is out now. Tracks should be downloaded, albums pre-ordered, purchased, played (repeatedly) and cherished.

Charley Macaulay is an astonishing young talent. 

Highly recommended.