Claire Holley's soft, easy, soothing songs pull together all elements of American folk music from alt-country to folk-pop, resting heavily on the influence of her Mississippi roots. There's something about Hush that evokes a light, quiet breeze through live oak trees. Like the creak of an old rocking chair on some southern porch, there's sweet music in every turn of the disc.
'Hush' is an appropriate title
If there's anything this record succeeds at, it is slwoing down the listener and enticing one toward the quieter, subtler areas of life. From the lovely, albeit brief, instrumental repose of "Goin West" (purchase/download) to the almost sadness of "Leaving This Town" (purchase/download), Holley shows her innate ability to craft a song the way any good storyteller approaches their craft.Her cover of "Stars Fell on Alabama" (purchase/download) breathes new life into the old standard, as Holley has a natural gift for delivering lyrics as if she really means them and is not just singing along with a melody. That same gift comes to the fore on tunes like "Wedding Day" (purchase/download) and "Simple Meals" (purchase/download). All in all, Hush is an excellent introduction to Holley's gifted songwriting. With any luck, she'll keep the goodness coming.
