Vanessa Hartley

I don’t usually write about gigs but this one definitely needs mentioning. I was blown away by 19-year-old Bristol based singer songwriter, Vanessa Hartley, at the Arts House in Stokes Croft this week. It’s not often you see an up and coming artist of this quality.

Vanessa’s beautiful mellow voice and honest lyrics left me alternating between goose bumps and holding back tears. She has a real humbleness and sincerity that shine out through her music. Above all it’s her voice and amazing control of it that stick in my head. This is definitely one to see live.

Vanessa, who describes her music as “a warm mix of folk and soul, with a pinch of jazz”, was accompanied by backing singers, violin, base and harmonica. She had clear support from her family at the launch of her first album and I for one wish her great things.

Vanessa is playing at The Old Bookshop on 23 March and regularly plays at Viva la Mexicana restaurant.