Though Kristin Errett is only in her early 20s, you’d never know by listening to her sophisticated, graceful arrangements. The New York pop/soul singer and pianist has a modern feel like Sara Bareilles or Norah Jones yet also channels old souls like Stevie Nicks or Carole King on her debut album, the aptly titled Confessions Of A Songbird. Errett’s inimitable voice shows roots in jazz and soul music, and her easily digestible pop template often takes influence from decades before she was born.
Placing much emphasis on piano and her distinct and elegant pipes, Errett’s brand of upbeat pop rock is timeless and undeniably memorable. Her rhythms are upbeat and she occasionally brings in strings, but she’s also unafraid of slowing things down with the ballads “Finding Second Best” and “Mirror Mirror,” which both succeed as being high points to the disc. Another standout track is “Mr. Imperfect” where she gets to display her playful, blues-like piano work. “Happily Never After” is the tune here that could easily make her a household name and one of the best piano rock songs this year, guaranteed to put much attention Errett’s way.
Errett’s an assertive women, never one to pull any punches in her storytelling. To the young men who have wronged her, she speaks her mind in song. In “Don’t Call Me Sweetheart” she makes it known that she’s not all fluff and smiles, that this girl is sassy and isn’t afraid to unleash it. Though her songs may sound upbeat and cheerful, they are often fraught with serious themes of being a woman is more than willing to stand her ground.
Having been working on her songs since her teenage years, Errett put everything in her life on hold at just 21 to move away and focus on her song craft. A talented songwriter that often reminds us of a more youthful Sarah McLachlan or Tori Amos, it’s pretty unlikely Errett will be an indie artist for too much longer. This woman’s songs were made for the world to hear and she’s well on her way.
