Polly Gibbons is an amazing singer. At the tender age of 23 she already displays a talent that sounds like a seasoned professional. It is not only her technical ability (which is second to none) but the feel and emotion she manages to convey in her voice puts her in a class way above most of the empty "popstar" vocals we seem to be saturated with these days. However....unless you are a follower of the British Jazz scene, or tirelessly attend smaller live gigs...... you've probably never heard of her. This is symptomatic of the state of the music scene at the moment - we seem in danger of missing out on some of the finest talent in favour of quick fix satisfaction.

Having gigged relentlessly at jazz clubs for the last few years, and featuring on a few compilations and other artists work, Polly Gibbons was nominated for a BBC Jazz Award in the newcomer category with no actual release of her own - a remarkable achievement and testament to her wide reaching, and yet non-commercial appeal. Her song on the BBC Jazz awards CD, "Saving Grace" (co-written by Tim Lapthorn and her sister) is truly great and already sounds like a classic. This long awaited debut album sees Miss Gibbons breaking into new territory with a smoothed out soul/RnB sound produced by Ola Onabule - another name you probably haven't, but definitely should have heard.

She seems to fuse bleak honesty with humour effortlessly producing results usually reserved for certain indie rock (in my opinion). This is no wishy-wash RnB girl - and its clear to hear both from her words and music. She is not extravagant with her voice, even though you know she could be - she does the simple things so well it doesn't seem to matter. Rich and powerful yet subtle and sublime - she has it all!

I honestly believe this singer has very big things ahead of her - and even if not, this is a voice you cannot afford to miss. I have already in my mind been comparing her to greats of old and it is so refreshing to hear a REAL singer at a time when music seems to be aimed at 12 year olds and lacks any substance.