There is something very, very amazing about an artist covering another songwriter that they have a deep appreciation and respect for. There is a certain care and delicate handling of the song, but also a sense of wanting to escalate it where they can and truly make it their take on the track. Hayley Sabella did that and did so impeccably well with Jake Hill‘s song “Simple Alicia”.

When Hayley and Jake first arrived at the studio for the session, I think she knew she was going the piano route for this song. She fooled around with some different sounds and textures on the electric keyboard at Riverview Studios, before she was caught gazing at a blanket covering another smaller piano…the Fender Rhodes. She asked to try it, and Sam and Kramer obliged, sending it through their Leslie cab and that folks, was it.

A sublime and a wonderful match for the vibe that she brought to her friend, and partner in songwriting crime in Billington Sea’s, song.

This is why I continue with this project and hope for more to come. This is what makes the dedication of a friend’s song so special. The heart and soul that is poured into. Thank you Hayley. This is special.