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Album Reviews
Acoustic Magazine, issue 20
Brett Callwood, Jan 08
"An interesting one this. Jess Gardham fuses fairly standard folky
singer/songwriter fare with some of the best soul vocals heard by these
ears in recent years. She obviously cares very much about her music and
the subject matter, and though the playing veers between average and
fairly good, her voice more than makes up for those shortcomings. The
opening 'Followed You Home' and the radio-worthy 'Caught Out' are
highlights of what is a good, if not great, record."
The Talk Magazine, issue 43
Dean Saint John, Aug 07
"...Jess
Gardham has been a rising talent on the Yorkshire Regional live scene
for several years and so nods of agreement greeted the announcement to
release her debut album of 14 original tracks. And it is a bit of a
gem, it must be said. Lyrically she is direct and emotive; taking
acoustic snapshots and telling tales, tales of real life and real
people. She possesses a rich vocal quality which rings of Tracy Chapman
(although Jess commands more melodic control), which has the ability to
strum the heart strings and give a burn behind the eyes on a few
occasions.... The result we can enjoy is a mellow backdrop to the
lyric - you can sit , listen and meet the cast: ‘Daisy
Rae’ and her torn life, You, Me, Her, Us and ours. I have a
soft spot for this well produced acoustic album which doesn’t
so much stand as a cry for the reaslisation of the better state of
Human nature, but certainly should be listened to for the strong reverb
and emotion-drenched statement of simplicity and visions of Hope, Loss,
Ambition and Love. The final track is a particularly lush live solo
version of “Closer To You’ which brings the
listener back to the way we know her - a live performer with solo
guitar and solo voice. Very good stuff indeed..."
Live Reviews
"...Jess Gardham is a star. New album,
'Beyond Belief,' paraded
and performed before an admiring throng who I'm sure will want to see
her again. And what a lovely lass!..."
The Regent, Doncaster, Bob Chiswick' Monday Club Review, July 07
“..a
well established singer-songwriter.. 'Knockin on Wood' is an
outstanding track, showcased from her forthcoming album 'Beyond
Belief', an anthem with a superb lyrical hook. 'Patience' is sublime
and 'One Step Closer' is as brilliant as it is beautiful. Jess is
phemonenal and is one of York's greatest treasures, a truly superior
performance..”
Live review in
The Talk Magazine, issue 37, Feb 07.
“...With
her engaging
personality and pure songwriting, Jess is now earning the recognition
she deserves. Her five track CD has received rave reviews with the song
Ocean Eyes being a particular favourite of audiences and critics alike.
Her recent 30 minute spot at The New Roscoe for Amy Wadge and Elaine
Palmer is sure to put York's favourite soulful singer-songwriter in the
spotlight this year and beyond...”
Paul Abraham,
Yorkshire Music Promotions
“A
wonderful musical talent who deserves every bit of success that comes
her way.”
Jane Oddy, 'The Music
Guru website' www.themusicguru.com
“Jess
Gardham..........absolutely superb! Beautiful songs with
differing
influences delivered by a voice which could be described as a blend of
Tracy
Chapman, Joan Armatrading, even Tasmin Archer with a distinct element
of Jess
Gardham! In addition, you get a warm, self effacing personality for
your money
which is worth the entrance fee alone.”
'Live at the Sal' official
website review, Oct 05
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