‘All Swell’ is the debut album from Norfolk based folk and roots singer/songwriter Jess Morgan, but the confidence and sure-footedness she demonstrates across all 11 songs, show her to be both a writer and performer of some pedigree.

A beautifully direct and emotive voice, she sings in sweet, innocent style that has echoes of Victoria Williams and Anais Mitchell; and in a similar fashion to Williams and Mitchell some of the lyrics are full of grit and real-life; she’s certainly not afraid to engage the listener directly with the characters and situations in her songs.

Recorded in Norway with a group of local musicians, the whole album is focused around Jess and her guitar work, with the 4 additional musicians providing very subtle and laid-back accompaniment that give the whole album a timeless feel; it’s not hard to imagine this being the debut disc of an up-and-coming young female singer/songwriter anytime from the 70s through to today.

To finish the triumvirate, she adds memorable and catchy melodies to the strong lyrics and mature arrangements – there are many songs on here, particularly ‘Let it Come’ & ‘Pamela’, that are full of immediate hooks; but the melodies across the album are strong and effortless, and beautifully delivered by her agile vocals.

This is a very impressive debut album; it’s confident and fearlessly emotive in places, and the charm of her voice combined with the warmth of the recording come together to make this a memorable collection.  Jess is certainly destined for greater things, and this self released album is surely just the start of the journey.  Not to be missed.

1 Due Grace Coming
2 At Sea
3 Pamela
4 Eels
5 Let It Come
6 Crowsong
7 Crosses
8 Onyx
9 Prize-Pig
10 Ribbons and Bows
11 Talisman

£7.99