Musical gem discovered (From Western Telegraph)

Musical gem discovered

THE Queen's Hall has uncovered some musical gems in the past, and last weekend was no different as not one, but two future stars performed an enticing collection of self-penned work.

Home-grown talent, Julia Jones, playing for the first time in Pembrokeshire since a rather 'horrendous' school debut back in 1987, unveiled her first studio album, 809, and happily shared the stage with Valleys' wonder, Chris King. The two unsigned singer/songwriters embarked on performances that reassured the music, faithful that beneath the commercial froth there's some real talent nestled right here in south Wales.

The intimate candlelight gig was effortlessly opened by Chris King, armed only with guitar and a delectable voice, as he performed a handful of bitter-sweet tracks. But unfortunately as soon as the acoustic set began, with the beautiful Been a Long Time, it prematurely ended with the aptly titled I'm on Fire. Leaving me craving for more, I pondered why this gifted Merthyr musician was not delighting bigger crowds.

But disappointment soon turned to delight as his worthy successor shamelessly, as she should, promoted her new album in the best way. After belting out a handful of cover versions, in which her rendition of Texas's In demand was uncannily like the original, she was joined on stage by her excellent yet expensive band for the evening's showpiece.

Kicking off with Superfast, the first track off her album to be picked up as a single, she meandered her way through 809, an album that thankfully lacks the contrived sentiment that could so easily hinder such an intimate collection of work.

My only criticism of the night is that it was simply too short, but as the pair set sail for the States in search of deserved success, I get the sneaking suspicion they'll be back with more.

Emma Jones