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‘Bliss’ is followed by a cover of Sting’s ‘Shape of My Heart’, with some excellent cello from Kathryn Locke. ‘Stonewashed Jeans’ captures Sykes’ voice and double bass superbly — that muted trumpet a distant foil again to her vocals as the only other accompaniment.

Sykes has a voice a little like Aimee Mann just without some of the attitude especially on the McGee cover. Her voice is silky smooth, and for some of the songs ‘I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free’ for example there just isn’t enough bite for me.

Syke’s version of Beth Nielson Chapman’s ‘Happy Girl’ is one of the highlights, with some great harmonies and a stunning layered bassline.

Sykes is on tour with Show of Hands at present, and her connection with them is evident on Bliss: Phil Beer plays on ‘Shape of My Heart’ and she covers the duo’s ‘Don’t Be a Stranger’ as her closing number. When I saw her play recently with Show of Hands the strong link was clear, and the musical interplay between the three was great to see. Worth catching while they’re still on tour.

Links:
Miranda Sykes’ website
Show of Hands