SINGLE REVIEW: AUDREY SPILLMAN FEAT. NATALIE HEMBY - THREE GENERATIONS

The abiding memory of Audrey Spillman's last UK Show at The Sound Lounge was one of having seen sheer perfection. It's a little disappointing to find out that she's released some songs that slipped our radar yet not too late to shine a light on another gem in "Three Generations". Produced by husband and artist in his own right, Neilson Hubbard, this single comes with the bare minimum of instrumentation, it doesn't need unnecessary clutter obscuring the key instrument that is Audrey voice.

There is the most sombre of piano intros, alongside percussion that is the definition of gentle and a matching bass. It makes for one of the slowest openings to a song yet provides the perfect backing for Audrey's equally considered delivery.

"Three Generations - River Salvation

Another branch on God's family tree

When the good Lord calls me to heaven

I hope there's three generations after me"

There is a brief family history tying in Jesus, effectively making this a personal hymn. There's just a second where Audrey all but rejoices with pride on the third line detailing the journey down the family line

"My Great Grandma Opal began a legacy

With one hand on the bible, she changed out history

Passed it down to her daughter, to her daughter, down to me

By the blood of Jesus, we came to be"

The second chorus see additional backing vocals from Natalie Hemby the songs co-writer, and on completion gives way to a short but perfectly in keeping trumpet solo

"Like a gathering table we pass down the blessings

The joys of our descendants and the ones who have yet to be

Praying over one another, like a holy covering

Got to keep the bloodline running, back to Calgary"

With the third verse closing on tracing lineage back to Jesus, the final chorus allows itself to be a little more celebratory with the trumpet joining in once more and Audrey being fractionally more relaxed with her vocals. Approaching the time of year when such sentiments come to the fore - it's a classy way to close out the year.