Victoria Klewin (vocals); Sophie Stockham (sax); Paul Field (brass, harmonica); Sam Mills (keys); Paul Crawford (guitar); Mark James (bass); Tom Bradley (drums)
(Review by Ann Alex).
If I ever tire of the North East (not very likely) I’m going to live in Bristol if this CD represents the sort of music available on the ‘burgeoning Bristol music scene’, as it is described on the insert. This band produces jazz, blues, soul and funk in the form of original love songs with titles such as Not All That Glitters; Got A Question; Why Should I?. The lyrics are down to earth but well written, Ms Klewin’s voice is sweet yet gritty, with surprising depths, and the band is skilled, lively and versatile.
This is a debut CD, paid for by crowdfunding. The songs were all written by Ms Klewin between the ages of 16 and 28 and we are told that she has many more such songs stored away for future CDs. I think we’ll hear more of her in the future.
Here is a run-down of the tracks: Can’t Help Myself – funky, brassy riffs and lively keys.
Not All That Glitters – quiet voice and guitar opening, then swinging jazz with a scat chorus to end.
Taking Me Down – discusses an unhappy love affair, rocky, funky.
Got A Question – funky brass and lovely lower tones from the vocals.
Dance Me To Heaven – jazzy with a good sax solo
Home Alone – All about seduction, not loneliness, with a chorus of just bass and finger-snapping.
That’s How It Is – a soul style song of comfort.
For The Good Of Myself – Lyrics on the lines of ‘release me’ with a bluesy ending.
Roving Eye – Blues with a chorus of ‘free your mind’.
If This Is Love – features a sad sounding harmonica and a gospel-influenced tune.
Why Should I ? – All about a love affair which is too wild, to the sound of a keys solo and funky brass.
The CD is self-released and available from October 2016.
Ann Alex.
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