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Rachel Taylor – Beales / Christopher Rees (JD Session)

Cardiff Barfly,

Sunday 18^th December 2005

Reviewed by Guy Salvador

Didn’t get there until a little bit later than planned, due to Sunday afternoon laziness etc. The JD sessions @ Barfly start at 1.00pm and seem to be a good idea after today’s experience so hopefully; it’s something that can continue into the future. Missed the first few acts unfortunately but, luckily arrived just as Christopher Rees was starting his set. Having recently discovered Mr. Rees via his two contrasting albums released on the self serving “Red Eye” label, “The Sweetest Ache” & “Alone on a mountain top”. These titles probably describing the creation of the albums quite well with the first, “Sweetest Ache” sounding full of angst & depth & I’m sure some difficulty at times. Sometimes over - layered & over - produced, & maybe lacking vocally? Still a very good debut though. The latest album “Alone on a mountain top” represents much more the lone blues-man sound & stance of Mr. Rees. Recorded as it says, “Alone on a mountain top”, in a small cottage in West Wales over a couple of weeks I believe, and very good it is too.

Today’s live set, is a great delivery of Chris’s own style blues with some fantastic guitar & ukulele playing accompanying Chris’s, to my ear, greatly improved, from the 1^st album particularly, passionate vocals. Of course this may be to do with the fact that it is the first time I have seen him live & also, the fact he has recently got back from a jaunt around Canada with just his guitar for company, which by all reports went very well and I would imagine has fine tuned his live work. He also performs with a full band, of which I would interested to see at some time. Overall, an intriguing, excellent artist whom, I am sure, will continue to deliver his music & art to an ever increasing world audience, nice one! Learn more about Christopher Rees @: www.christopherrees.co.uk/

Next up was Rachel Taylor – Beales, a young Aussie lady who seems to have adopted Wales as a base as of late. A pleasant, wistful, happy voice & personality accompanied by piano & guitar also some interesting back of stage screenings, albeit these were difficult to see @ the Barfly due to the venue’s configuration & pillars. Made the show more interesting & on a Sunday afternoon there was nothing wrong with what Rachel & her band were doing, although inevitably it didn’t really connect with me in any way more than a passing interest. Sound wise it sort of reminded me of “Heather Nova” at times, although not as much variety in this live set as the sound as Ms Nova overall. Saying that a good band & I’m sure Rachel will continue with her work into the future. There is an album & a website: www.racheltaylor-beales.com/

All the best

Guy Salvador

www.southerndownrecords.co.uk

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