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Hanna Grace - Concrete & Roses Album Review

22 Aug 2011 // A review by Dilemma

Singer songwriter Hanna Grace has just released her debut album Concrete & Roses, with a little harmless self-promotion it is based on an Adele-meets-Amy Winehouse sound and just the right balance of rhythm and seduction.

Hanna is a true artist in every sense of the word and draws her inspiration from real life experiences. Her second single ‘Hush Now’ is a perfect example of this. “I was actually having an argument with someone at the time when the melody hit me, so I grabbed a bottle of wine, called Phil and away we went.”

 

Concrete & Roses has taken some time to mature. “Its quite an eclectic album really,” Hanna continues. “Partly because it was not conceived overnight, but also because it comes from a deep sense of personal growth. It really shows my journey over the last few years and how I have matured as a person and as a songwriter.” 

Although this self-funded debut album was produced in a small studio in Phil Stoodley’s livingroom, it is a tribute to their professionalism, passion, and kiwi ingenuity that this album has all the hallmarks of a major production.

All the 14 tracks on Concrete & Roses can’t pigeon hole Hanna Grace’s sound into one genre. ‘Silver Venus’ is a fantastic example of the album’s theme as the soulful lyrics explore the dark and lighter shades of life. The album runs the gamut from soul in ‘Hush Now,’ to a beautiful piano ballad 'I bought you a Rose,’ and sprinklings of melodic pop with slight reggae vibes through out. ‘Alibi’ brings across more of a rock style that puts Hanna in the category of diverse and innovative NZ musicians who are extremely talented. Great Pop-Jazzy-Rock’n’Roll album that deserves a listen, at the very least. 

Concrete & Roses
View Track Listing
 

About Hanna Grace

Singer songwriter Hanna Grace is set to release her much anticipated debut album Concrete & Roses on August 1. With just the right balance of rhythm and seduction, this Pop-Jazzy-Rock'n'Roll, Adele-meets-Amy Winehouse mash-up coincides with the release of her third single 'Silver Venus'. 'Silver Venus' is a fantastic example of the album's theme as the soulful lyrics explore the dark and lighter shades of life.

Born in Auckland in 1986, Hanna spent much of her childhood between Auckland and the Kapiti coast. After college Hanna found a new outlet for her creativity putting all her attention into a bachelor of Art and Design degree at the Auckland University of Technology.

Music has always been a huge part of Hanna's life but it wasn't until she teamed up with Singer/Songwriter Phil Stoodley that it became a prominent fixture. It was her partnership with Phil that enabled her to write and record her first song 'Nothing At All'. This piece of music was just the beginning of what has turned into a promising musical career.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Hanna Grace

Releases

Concrete & Roses
Year: 2011
Type: Album

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