Blues singer Elsie Franklin from York has released her first E.P. by Mad Alice Records, Elsie sings… Black Night & 3 other songs.

By  Jane Howkins.

   Elsie Franklin is a relatively new artist from York, being one of the first acts to have a record put out by local record label Mad Alice Records. As such, this may be seen by some as a test of what the label can do. The production leaves a little to be desired, but they seem to have an ear for talent which is what really matters, as Elsie Sings… is a nice early release for a newcomer to the York scene.

The E.P. contains six tracks, all of which are covers of songs which are fairly obscure. Elsie Franklin seems to know her blues music, which is of course a good sign of things to come. The songs contained here include Jingle Bell Jamboree (originally by Keb’ Mo’), Santa Claus (by Sonny Boy Williamson II), Black Night (by Holly Golightly), Nothin’ In Ramblin’ (by Memphis Minnie), When The Levee Breaks (by Led Zeppelin), and Smalltown Blues (by Ruthie Foster).

Franklin is certainly talented, with a skill for guitar playing that suits the genre well. She also portrays a great deal of passion and soul, which is something that is vital for a musician playing the blues. The only slight issue is the production of the E.P., as it sounds a little too raw at times. More emphasis on Franklin’s vocals would also have been nice. Music from the blues genre is supposed to sound unpolished so this may be purposeful, but a bit of a spruce up on the production side would be great next time around. Still, a very promising release from a talented local artist and it will be interesting to see what Elsie Franklin and Mad Alice Records get up to next!