Some people learn to sing, some people are born to sing. And while Elles Bailey may credit a bout of pneumonia for the grit and gravel in her voice, there is no doubt she was born to sing. The video for ‘Riding Out the Storm’ finds Bailey literally in the middle of a storm as rain falls as she drives or belts out the blues beneath an umbrella. But is it purely the blues? In the tradition of the best soul singers, hints of church seep into the songs. A Hammond organ invokes a hymn and gospel-infused backing vocals mix with a tasty slide guitar evoking blues, soul, gospel in a blend that allows the pain and hope in Bailey’s voice to connect with the listener.
‘Riding Out the Storm’ is the fourth single from Bailey’s latest album ‘Shining in the Half Light’ which is currently getting airplay on blues, roots, and americana radio.
“’Riding Out the Storm’ is possibly the most special track to me on this album,” says Elles, “it’s hugely personal, but I truly hope listeners can relate to it. It was written with Joe Wilkins, who has been such a huge part of the ‘Elles Bailey’ story and sound, playing a part in how both have evolved over the years. I’m so incredibly grateful for his time and talent, both on stage and in the studio.”
‘Riding Out the Storm’ eloquently shows how Elles Bailey transcends genre borders and pigeonholing. She earned early acclaim in UK blues and further afield when she hit the scene running with her hit debut album ‘Wildfire’, and has been acknowledged for her super-smoky voice and extraordinary commitment to live performance and touring. This inspired the title of her second album ‘The Road I Call Home’. Yet Bailey is now also admired by fans of Americana, soul, and more and well on her way to wider stardom.
