This Bristol singer songwriter’s third album was conceived and recorded during the pandemic.
It begins with the title track in which she announces “I’m here with an open heart” and this promise is confirmed in down to earth stories of friendship, family, love and loneliness .
Lady Wade’s husky, sultry voice is naturally suited to the bluesy folk tunes and to words which are couched in everyday language.
She wears her heart on her sleeve and many songs sound like one-sided conversations in which a third party is either praised (You're My Number One) or berated (Call Yourself A Friend).
Complicated is a touching and tender tune about losing a family member while Peace And Calm is a happier tune on the subject of kith and kin: “My Grandaddy is a wise man, I know he’ll go to heaven.”
She shows little sympathy for a friend who has taken to drink and hit Rock Bottom but is more generous in declarations of love and devotion. In Ain't One Thing her lovestruck state leaves no room for doubt : “You’re so damn perfect in every way.”
There’s an unpretentious quality to the songs and the unfussy arrangements keep things simple so that Lady Wade’s engaging vocals are foregrounded. It makes for an album that deserves to win her more admirers.