Reviewed by Adrian Cherrill

'Breathing November' is a clear statement of intent from Soutport-based singer, songwriter and pianist Rachel Macdonald that she has something to offer. It's well produced by Howard Williams and Dan Bowater, with a surprisingly big sound and a good selection of (mainly) piano-led songs, seemly aimed at as wide a market as possible. Rachel contributes vocals, piano and some clarinet, as well as having written all the songs. Plenty of it has the feel of Chris Eaton (but with female vocals of course), along with a nod in the direction of Amy Grant, while the vocals are often reminiscent of Crystal Lewis. Bright and breezy lead track "You Make Me Sing" kicks things off, followed by the ballad-like title track, which sets the general order of alternating slow and mostly medium paced songs. Standout tracks are the slow burning "Hope", the guitar-lead lament "Father's Heart", the excellent "Runaway" (about God's unfailing love) and final track "Your Presence" which has a worshipful feel. There are some clever moments in the music, particularly in "Reach" where there is an excellent change in tempo, only to be let down by a somewhat messy melody in the middle section. Of the rest, none are bad at all, but the melodies are often a little too complicated to be catchy or memorable, which especially lets down some of the faster songs.

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