Rockferry (CD - 2008)

On her 2008 debut, ROCKFERRY, Welsh pop/soul singer Duffy (born Aimee Ann Duffy) presents a charming, retro-leaning set of songs that bring to mind a 21st century Dusty Springfield. Mentored by ex-Suede guitarist Bernard Butler, who produced much of the album and contributes instrumentation on most tracks, Duffy wisely allows her warm, cat-like voice to get comfortable in a variety of settings, from the twangy, Lee Hazlewood-like title track to the dreamy "Warwick Avenue," and then the lively, Motown-tinged "Mercy." Garnering some expected comparisons to Amy Winehouse, Duffy carefully avoids that performer's brand of over-the-top drama, preferring to travel down a quieter and undeniably beautiful back road. minimize