Ross Lorraine: More From The Heart

A jazz pianist, arranger, theatre music composer and contributor to numerous other projects, Ross Lorraine now seems to have found his true calling as a songwriter. More From The Heart follows on from his songwriting debut on Heart of Mine (self produced, 2022) and follows a similar approach. After penning the lyrics and melody, Lorraine steps aside and a variety of top-class vocalists perform his compositions, together with a cracking band that elevates the songs and brings them to life.

With a background that includes a PhD in composition, working with contemporary classical composer Sir Harrison Birtwistle, playing improvised and experimental music, writing several modern tangos, playing jazz piano and a song-writing partnership with Melissa James, Lorraine has a wide array of skills to help hone his compositions. There are 12 songs on the album, two each for the six vocalists. While the songs are predominantly jazz-flavoured, the styles vary and include pop and show-style songs.

The album opens with the strongly emotional "Down On My Knees," brilliantly sung by Joanna Eden. It builds soulfully with lyrics that unfold naturally over great musical contributions, notably from guitarist Mike Walker. Eden is equally good on the ballad "After You." Drummer Ian Thomas' sensitive brushwork, Nikki Iles' piano and Laurence Cottle's bass are all perfectly judged, helping Eden to bring the most out of the song.

Christine Tobin's voice and warm tone immediately attract attention in the gentle "Sleep My Darling," while Iles and Cottle, alongside cellist Joe Giddey, ensure every note is exactly where it needs to be. Despite an overly economical 2:41 length, "Finding Our Feet" is one of the many album highlights, Tobin's voice again sails above the melody as the lyric finds new hope in old age, with Claire Martin's brief backing vocals adding much drama.

Lorraine also has an ironic take on relationships, Iain MacKenzie's classy vocal delivers the pithy lyrics on "What You Got." Irene Serra delights in being the perfect vocal match for the storytelling nature of "He Said She Said" and "You Never Knew Me." While Charlie Wood - UK brings a laidback and soulful feel to "Downtime," deftly complimented by James McMillan's sassy trumpet.

Another age-related song and another highlight. "Scissors Paper Stone," sung by Noemi Nuti and enhanced by Iles' neat piano, is a melancholy, but catchy, show-style tune that ends with the line "Love is all that's left when it's over." Nuti's passionate vocals also pull on the emotions with the eloquent lyrics of "After All." Elsewhere, Wood, supported by Walker's guitar, gives an elegant and polished performance on "Human Kindness" and MacKenzie makes the most of "Dear Betty."

There may be a range of vocalists, but they all give first-rate performances that are in service of the song, without resorting to vocal gymnastics or affectations. The band makes the perfect foil with well-crafted arrangements that add light and shade where needed. Lorraine writes well-crafted lyrics that, mostly in around three and a half minutes per song, steer clear of happy endings and clichés in favour of focusing on real-life emotions. These imaginative, jazz-centric interpretations of Lorraine's accomplished compositions provide the ideal platform for his talent and ought to please those who appreciate timeless songwriting, exquisitely performed.