Sean Taylor - Walk With Me
SGO Music
A release of an album from any young musician is a difficult move, especially if you want to call it Blues. Sean Taylor manages to combine sentimentality and acoustic guitar to a genre which is incredibly difficult to be a part of without going over old ground and using clichés. Taylor’s album is far from being a copy of Blues acts and more of a remaining. The first track is a slow, almost country song, which is not really in keeping with the skill the rest of the album portrays; there is real passion here and this is displayed with the introduction of Hold On. This song allows the listener to get a feel of what will be on the rest of the album, an understanding of the depth needed to be part of the Blues. I attribute this to the contributors on this album, BJ Cole on pedal steel who has worked with Elton John, Sting, REM, Vyvienne Long on Cello (Damien Rice, Lisa Hannigan) Justin Carroll on Hammond Organ (Van Morrison), Dave Hingerty (The Frames, Josh Ritter) on drums and Michael Buckley (Joss Stone, Mary Coughlan) on sax. Walk With Me fluctuates between poignant county to a slightly week attempt traditional blues. Taylor’s voice thrives in the balance of acoustic and real Blues in the title track Walk With Me. This album needs a few listens to try and pin down the sound Taylor is trying to achieve but is near perfection in songs where his style is defined, such as For You and Feel Alright. There are some really beautiful songs on this album and passion is embedded in every note, perhaps a little more maturity in voice and a few more songs like Walk With me would allow the listener to hear more of the raw and intelligent music he sings.
Rating- 6
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Blues in Britain Magazine, Dale Storr Review
Best Blues I've seen.
Dale Storr and Band, The Coach and Horses, Dronfield, 18/07/10
A pub in an unknown village, on the side of a busy road, on a relatively cloudy Sunday do not tend to be the criteria that prepares one for the kind of entertainment that occurred at the Coach and Horses in Dronfield. There was wonderful union between the Real British Ale, Real Deep South BBQ and real talent which culminated in an evening unlike any others I have experienced. Dale Storr is a known musician in the Blues scene in Sheffield and his departure from solo New Orleans Pianist became a seamless transition to playing with a bassist, Jeremy Meek, trumpet player Ian Sanderson and drummer, Dave Raeburn. After one band practice the band took it upon themselves to play a gig, I was lucky enough to be there. The set list covered all the bases, a backlog of songs which any discerning blues fan would cry out to a performer in hope of hearing live. Amongst their flawless renditions were songs by Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino and Hank Snow. Their impeccable Ray Charles cover of Marrianne got roars of recognition and smiles from all the audience. The skill in which these musicians performed in the first half was clearly admired by the audience consisting of a healthy balance of Blues enthusiasts, families, teens and the men who were somewhat swayed by the ale. In the second half the admiration was transposed to amazement when the band took it upon themselves to, not only play some of Dale’s songs from his upcoming EP such as Radiate the 88, but added more wonderful renditions of other classics. Something seemed to occur in this half, a poignant and stunning cover of Summertime, with Ian taking the forefront, left the crowd in awe. What struck me most is, despite the lack of practice, you could never tell, therefore there was no separation from this band from any of the greats. This demonstrates an undeniable passion on all accounts. I cannot stress how much enjoyable this evening was, everyone in the audience were clapping, singing, and shouting through every song; whether it was well known, for example a Blues cover of The Beatles’ ‘I saw her standing there’ or other, less famous classics such as Barefootin’ by Robert Parker. Regardless of the song or style, everyone was engrossed. Despite the fact it’s early days for this band; with their skill, prowess and ability to get four encores like they did on Sunday, I can only predict great, great things.
Dale Storr and Band, The Coach and Horses, Dronfield, 18/07/10
A pub in an unknown village, on the side of a busy road, on a relatively cloudy Sunday do not tend to be the criteria that prepares one for the kind of entertainment that occurred at the Coach and Horses in Dronfield. There was wonderful union between the Real British Ale, Real Deep South BBQ and real talent which culminated in an evening unlike any others I have experienced. Dale Storr is a known musician in the Blues scene in Sheffield and his departure from solo New Orleans Pianist became a seamless transition to playing with a bassist, Jeremy Meek, trumpet player Ian Sanderson and drummer, Dave Raeburn. After one band practice the band took it upon themselves to play a gig, I was lucky enough to be there. The set list covered all the bases, a backlog of songs which any discerning blues fan would cry out to a performer in hope of hearing live. Amongst their flawless renditions were songs by Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino and Hank Snow. Their impeccable Ray Charles cover of Marrianne got roars of recognition and smiles from all the audience. The skill in which these musicians performed in the first half was clearly admired by the audience consisting of a healthy balance of Blues enthusiasts, families, teens and the men who were somewhat swayed by the ale. In the second half the admiration was transposed to amazement when the band took it upon themselves to, not only play some of Dale’s songs from his upcoming EP such as Radiate the 88, but added more wonderful renditions of other classics. Something seemed to occur in this half, a poignant and stunning cover of Summertime, with Ian taking the forefront, left the crowd in awe. What struck me most is, despite the lack of practice, you could never tell, therefore there was no separation from this band from any of the greats. This demonstrates an undeniable passion on all accounts. I cannot stress how much enjoyable this evening was, everyone in the audience were clapping, singing, and shouting through every song; whether it was well known, for example a Blues cover of The Beatles’ ‘I saw her standing there’ or other, less famous classics such as Barefootin’ by Robert Parker. Regardless of the song or style, everyone was engrossed. Despite the fact it’s early days for this band; with their skill, prowess and ability to get four encores like they did on Sunday, I can only predict great, great things.
Now Then Magazine, Heebie Jeebies
The Heebie Jeebies, Friday 11th June, The Harley
Considering the wind, the football and the fact the band didn’t start till about half 11, The Heebie Jeebie’s had a huge turn out in The Harley for a gig. The glitter and the colours which decorated the stage ignited excitement in the crowd and the equally exhilarated three band members maintained this feeling of fun and a party atmosphere throughout the gig.
The band opened with Murderous, their new single, an upbeat song which continued their combination of a punk and pop mentality in their stage presence. The band were an impressive act to watch, keeping the energy and enjoyment high enough to keep the crowd engaged through their twelve song set. The evening ultimately became more about the band and the atmosphere they expel as opposed to the songs themselves; the band themselves say, in terms of their development, ‘we don't waste our time trying to write good songs, its easier to just go with the flow and see what happen.’ What happened was a ‘flow’ unlike many others of the Sheffield landfill ‘indie’ scene and it resulted in a sound which involves pop, calypso, disco and punk which kept absolutely everybody dancing.
The first part of the set consisted of songs that had a distinctive style from the outset, this became all the more apparent with the introduction of their song ‘Romeo’, an epic, soulful song which genuinely was striking. This part of the set and the following four songs showed a technical prowess and a musical ability that overcame the organised chaos of the first half. Their skill was demonstrated by the drummer Thom’s amazing energy and ability to play frantic drums whilst keeping the song in time and was impressive to behold. The bassist, Den, was leaping in to the crowd, dancing with the audience and never really missing a note. The singer and guitarist Owen, expelled happiness and showed an immense passion, as did the rest of them, for what they were doing.
With songs as impressive as this and others such as ‘Butchers’ and ‘Misery Guts’ the second song on the single, this band are obviously capable of being more than a fun act to go see on a night out, there are great songs in their back log. With various gig’s coming up at places like Glastonbury and Tramlines, the band are heading for bigger stages and I imagine an even bigger stage presence. If they continue to be as engaging and as interesting to watch, big things will happen for The Heebie Jeebies. Their two part single will be released on August 3rd , followed by a tour in Asia.
Considering the wind, the football and the fact the band didn’t start till about half 11, The Heebie Jeebie’s had a huge turn out in The Harley for a gig. The glitter and the colours which decorated the stage ignited excitement in the crowd and the equally exhilarated three band members maintained this feeling of fun and a party atmosphere throughout the gig.
The band opened with Murderous, their new single, an upbeat song which continued their combination of a punk and pop mentality in their stage presence. The band were an impressive act to watch, keeping the energy and enjoyment high enough to keep the crowd engaged through their twelve song set. The evening ultimately became more about the band and the atmosphere they expel as opposed to the songs themselves; the band themselves say, in terms of their development, ‘we don't waste our time trying to write good songs, its easier to just go with the flow and see what happen.’ What happened was a ‘flow’ unlike many others of the Sheffield landfill ‘indie’ scene and it resulted in a sound which involves pop, calypso, disco and punk which kept absolutely everybody dancing.
The first part of the set consisted of songs that had a distinctive style from the outset, this became all the more apparent with the introduction of their song ‘Romeo’, an epic, soulful song which genuinely was striking. This part of the set and the following four songs showed a technical prowess and a musical ability that overcame the organised chaos of the first half. Their skill was demonstrated by the drummer Thom’s amazing energy and ability to play frantic drums whilst keeping the song in time and was impressive to behold. The bassist, Den, was leaping in to the crowd, dancing with the audience and never really missing a note. The singer and guitarist Owen, expelled happiness and showed an immense passion, as did the rest of them, for what they were doing.
With songs as impressive as this and others such as ‘Butchers’ and ‘Misery Guts’ the second song on the single, this band are obviously capable of being more than a fun act to go see on a night out, there are great songs in their back log. With various gig’s coming up at places like Glastonbury and Tramlines, the band are heading for bigger stages and I imagine an even bigger stage presence. If they continue to be as engaging and as interesting to watch, big things will happen for The Heebie Jeebies. Their two part single will be released on August 3rd , followed by a tour in Asia.
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