Review: Elles Bailey – Shining In the Half Light Deluxe Edition

The first release of this record saw me proclaiming it as Bailey’s best to date. Straddling both the Blues and Americana worlds, Bailey is an innovative artist and true entertainer who crafts songs that are bound to capture your heart. In the deluxe version she delivers two new original tracks including ‘Hole in my Pocket’. In keeping with the rest of the record, it’s gospel-inspired backing vocals really allow this track to take flight. You can hear snippets of Bailey’s influences as it touches soul with its guitar riffs and motown in the bass line. It’s a well written track but would you expect anything less from Bailey? There are 2 new originals, 2 covers and 5 live tracks on the deluxe edition. ‘Over The Hill’ by John Martyn is one of those covers and Bailey really makes it her own with those powerful vocals. Meanwhile, the live version of ‘The Game’ really captures the energy and flawlessness Bailey often brings to the stage. The next instalment of the ‘Shining In the Half Light’ era is a fantastic edition and well worth a listen.