Bessie Deakin – Magic Man (2023)
With a vocal range ranging from subtle jazz to powerhouse soul, UK-based singer-songwriter Bessie Deakin ensnares audiences with ease. Compared to the likes of Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks, there is a raw intensity fused with an obscurity making Deakin’s music eclectic but also soothing. From her single ‘Extended in Space’ in 2019 to the most recent single ‘Magic Man’, Deakin has been turning heads across the globe. Featured in various publications like Clout, Talk About Pop, A&R Factory, TJPL News, Music News and Sinusoidal Music – to name but a few, Deakin is reaching audiences far beyond her North American borders.
Creating a romantic story woven through her tracks ‘Mr Blue’ and ‘Lady Red’, Bessie Deakin takes audiences along this mystical, heartfelt and joyful tale. Yet, ‘Magic Man’ takes a step away from the Mr Blue/Lady Red love story reaching into a world of “summer magic and playful metaphors”.
From the first moment, I felt (or rather heard) a leaning toward the tones of Carole King. The prominent piano carries you from start to finish in a mellifluous flow; however, a bold guitar solo adds a powerful surge of rock to the track – even if it is for only a minute. To my ears, ‘Magic Man’ is a warm pop ballad with a nostalgic blast to the 70s. The thing is, just as there is Carole King in the song, Deakin presents a signature obscurity with her vocals.
Known for a jazz-inspired sound, Deakin retains her distinctive style with slivers of jazz running through ‘Magic Man’. Her rich vocals bring soulful jazziness to the softer melody. Interestingly enough, while there is a bold elegance in her vocal execution, the poetic lyricism melds with a Kate Bush-influenced tone coating her voice in a vulnerable immaturity. She sings like a young child experiencing the joy of love and “summer magic” for the first time – utterly refreshing and smile-inducing.
With the tender but playful vibes, I can easily see ‘Magic Man’ fitting into background music for a day in the sun, as well as being the anthemic track fans sing along to at festivals.
For more from Bessie Deakin, check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
