The renowned singer-songwriter Rebecca Poole (aka Purdy) will return this month with an original song that marks a change of direction to her recent creative endeavours. The new single Wouldn’t Change A Thing (ahead of a forthcoming album later this year), sees the charismatic vocalist return to her roots to record a classic jazz track, stripped back to its vital essence in order to allow the perfect showcase of her unique abilities. With nowhere to hide, this is in itself a formidable challenge, however Rebecca Poole’s sincerity and talent shine through on her new work, clearly demonstrating that she has trusted her instincts, followed her heart and decided to write and perform what she truly loves.

Achieving much success in more commercial realms under her moniker ‘Purdy’, Rebecca Poole’s multiple accomplishments include a support tour with Jools Holland’s band, culminating in a mesmerizing performance at The Royal Albert Hall, a recent appearance in Netflix TV series The Crown singing ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ and singing to over 90,000 people at Wembley Stadium, not to mention sharing a stage as a guest vocalist with Jamie Cullum at Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Rebecca’s creative awareness led her to know that this future project should be separated by definition in style, illustrating her prowess as a multifaceted artist. Because this is undoubtedly her most personal work to date, a return to her birth name seemed natural and appropriate.

Rather than covering much performed material by the stars of yesteryear (often a safer route), Rebecca Poole will be making the bold move of presenting her own songs to the world, with a full album or original material. This confident approach is testament to Rebecca’s resolute belief in her potential as a singer and a songwriter guided by intuition. The first single Wouldn’t Change A Thing captures the artist in a pensive mood, reflecting on past experiences. As Rebecca explains:

This album has been calling me for a long time and I cannot express how right it feels to get back to my jazz roots and hear my songs played by the masters of the craft! I feel far away from the beginning of my music journey but somehow back at the start. This first single feels like the best acknowledgment of my journey to ‘No Regrets’ [the title of the forthcoming album]. The lessons learned, the heartache and self-discovery. It’s an honest admission that it was all worthwhile, in order to find the greatest love and contentment. I wouldn’t change a thing!

I have had the opportunity to hear the single and the lyrics – which I believe to be written by Rebecca – certainly capture the feeling of looking back and reflecting on past loves and how they have shaped the person she has become. The music features piano, guitar and drums all of which are played in an effective ballad styling to suit the mood and sentiment of the vocals. I will be interested to hear how this single fits in with the album, No Regrets, when it gets its release later in the year.