LETTIE

While fellow Suffolk-born Thomas Gainsborough created masterpieces with the use of paint and canvas, Lettie produces masterpieces within the world of song-writing. Learning to play the piano at the age of 6, her love of the classical theme has stayed with her throughout the resultant years. Despite a classical upbringing her move into song-writing began at the age of 16, with inspiration coming from her own experiences, and the avid collecting of newspaper articles and a passion for the arts in all its various forms. Her first full album titled “Everyman” introduces the world to someone with a very distinctive and special voice, sometimes delicate, but never weak, and a unique style of song-writing. Every song has a strong theme which takes the listener to, at times, a deep inner soul of thought, and yet at other times a place where humour rules, while the album is completed with a quirky and very unusual finish. Throughout the album Lettie wraps you into her own world, and a place you never want to leave and want to experience time and time again. Her latest album “Age of Solo” starts like a prelude to a grand film masterpiece, take away the grand film and this album is definitely a masterpiece of Gainsborough proportions. With a charm and honesty rarely found nowadays, her albums are a monument to her immense talent, however it is in Lettie’s “live” performances which set her apart from her contemperies, with a breathtaking performance which has the audience on the edge of their seats hoping that Lettie achieves a masterful multi loop routine, which she inevitably does, and allows the audience to breath a sigh of relief. Lettie’s albums are class, her live performances are musically abstract personified. In a musical world which sadly endorses hyped-up blandness, thankfully there are still talented individuals such as the brilliant Lettie who give hope for the future of music throughout the world.

www.myspace.com/lettiemusic

RESPLENDENTS STAR IN SPRING BLUES BAR

THE RESPLENDENTS

The first performance in Harrogate at the famous Blues Bar, by The Resplendents, illustrated how a band can have the ability to turn the greyest of days, into a rainbow of feel-good musical colour. The seven-piece vibrant Ska band from Leeds, had the audience cheering from the rafters after the foot-tapping first track. In lead singer Alex they have one of the most visual and dynamic front men in the business, coupled with a band of very slick musicians, equals a very potent musical experience. If the government wants a song to kick-start the economy and production, then they should make listening to, “Another spin of the wheel” performed by the Resplendents, on awaking every morning, compulsory, as if this can’t get people inspired and fired-up then nothing can. This was a fantastic performance and I’m convinced, red 21 will not be needed for this band to become winners and hugely popular in the near future.

www.theresplendents.com


SPRING

Having gone over to Harrogate to review The Resplendents, it was a pleasant surprise to find that Leeds band Spring were also playing a set. Spring gave a performance which emphasized what a professional and finely tuned band they are. With 4 CDs already behind them and an ever-increasing following, the shoots of Spring will surely blossom in the near future.

www.springband.co.uk

HARGREAVES - SOONER BUT NOT LATER

The first full album from Harrogate/Gateshead band Hargreaves, transports the listener to a deep reservoir of musical enhancement. The quality of musicians, Chris (Bass, Guitar and backing Vocals), James (Guitar & Bass), Steve (Drums & Percussion) within the band, allows Claire to focus sorely on giving a performance of such quality and diversity of styles which has to be applauded. The album has the foot-tapping favourites, Kiss Me Better, (Bad) Bad Girl and Passionate Kisses. With the track Dreams being inspirational and yet self-reflective and Hi combining a catchy tune with depth of feelings and substance, the listener is then given a combination of soul/blues vocals and pure blues guitar-work on Anymore and Rumour. Claire demonstrates her vocal range by being a touch Country on Stevie Ray Vaughan's Life By The Drop and then covering in style the Steve Earle classic Goodbye, while the feel of the 80s can be remembered while listening to Torn In Three. To finish off there is even a dance remix of (Bad) Bad Girl, again showing incredible versatility and which the DJs of Ibiza would no doubt play constantly. If you want/need/require an album to surround you in a “feel-good” comfort blanket, then this is that album. You will be singing many of the songs in your mind, long after you’ve listened to the album, surely an indicator for a memorable album, which is a credit to Claire and her very professional band.

For more details of this outstanding band and album please visit;

www.HargreavesBlues.co.uk
www.myspace.com/hargreavesblues

THE JEN LOW BAND

With the black velvet backdrop and the subdued lighting, the stage at the impressive Leeds venue, The Wardrobe, was the perfect setting for Jen Low and her talented band of musicians.

Her powerful voice, which at times matched Tina Turner and Heather Small for the passion and deepness, but without the harshness, and yet at times resembling Katie Melua, but with added power and attitude. Her stage performance is animated and natural without being pre-planned and practised. If you could describe an English rose with a voice as powerful as dynamite, and yet with a freshness of newly driven snow, then you are describing Jen Low.

Although only into the second month of 2009, Jen has already positioned herself as the best female vocalist of the year, it will take someone very very special and talented to take the crown from her.

For more information please check out the following site;

www.myspace.com/thejenlowband