HAZEL CUMMING - Best Friends

We’ll start off with North Lanarkshire based HAZEL CUMMING, who recently launched her second album at the Fenwick Hotel in Ayrshire.
“Best Friends” was recorded at Hillside studio in Co.Down, and features acclaimed musicians such as Gerard Dornan, Stephen Smyth, Stevie Kirk and Charlie Arkins, with Carrie Benn, adding some backing vocals.
There are twelve tracks on the album, including three self penned originals.
The title track is a lovely lilting ballad, which honours the bond between mother and daughter. It’s a song that I’m sure will become a Mothers Day favourite in the future.  If “My Best Friend” was about her mum, “Here’s to Happy Years” is directed at her husband. It’s a good upbeat happy song, as is “Fake It With A Smile”. 
Of the covers, Dolly’s “Cracker Jack” stands out. It’s a song which was hidden away on a 1974 album. Dolly’s got a number of covers which get covered regularly, but good to see one of her lesser known songs getting some recognition.
Other covers include “Suds In The Bucket”, “Kiss An Angel Good Morning”, “How Blue” and “Home To Aherlow”
And there’s a strong ballad performance on Derek Ryan’s “Gods Plan”.
Hazel is certainly influenced by the Country’n’Irish sound, and this album will no doubt get the recognition it deserves in Ireland. I hope the Scottish audiences pick up on this album too.
It’s a happy, upbeat album, which is certainly worth a listen.