The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Sunday 28th October 2012

'Misadventures In Stereo', the third album by widely lauded singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jim Boggia, is unmistakably the work of a true believer and pop craftsman who's closely acquainted with music's capacity for transcendent uplift.

His work has been embraced by numerous fellow artists and kindred spirits, many of who have lent their talents to Boggia's albums. 'Misadventures in Stereo' features a cameo appearance by Big Al Anderson of NRBQ as well as a songwriting collaboration with legendary 'Pet Sounds' lyricist Tony Asher. His sophomore release, 'Safe In Sound', featured key contributions from such notable admirers as Aimee Mann, Jill Sobule, MC5 guitar hero Wayne Kramer, Attractions drummer Pete Thomas and '70s cult-pop icon Emitt Rhodes.

Boggia's first two releases, 2002's Fidelity Is the Enemy and 2005's Safe In Sound, established him as a critical favorite. Uncut wrote "Jim Boggia comes on like a muted power-pop shaman, channeling myriad melodic styles (cf. Rubber Soul-era Beatles, Matthew Sweet) into a cosy little world of sad reverie and eight-track stereo memories." Harp magazine described his songs as "captivating," adding that he "delivers the sort of intelligent, melodic pop music that ought to be a staple of radio playlists." Paste called Boggia a "first-rate audio architect" and praised his use of "lush instrumental flourishes, intriguing sound bites and naturalistic found sounds." The Washington Post made note of his "soulful voice, experimental instrumentation and an encyclopedic knowledge of pop music."

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Formed in 2010, Kent based folk/country artists The Breretons are set to emerge on the London music scene this year with a string of live dates and a debut album scheduled for release in the Autumn. Born from the ashes of London based rock outfit The Original Sinners, the brother/sister duo Marc and Charlotte are returning to their folk roots, playing heartfelt story telling songs of rare poetic quality. Their haunting harmony vocals are accompanied by Alex Metcalfe (piano), Kirsty Mangan (violin), Jim Cox (drums) and Pete Clements (bass).

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Singer-songwriter, Paul Dunton leads his own unique cross-over orchestra providing an atmospheric fusion of alternative and pop with a classical twist. Paul & his Orchestra take influences from varying modern day artists such as Pink Floyd, Elbow, ELO, Turin Brakes, Massive Attack, Damien Rice and contemporary composers such as Samuel Barber, Ludovico Einaudi, John Barry and Hans Zimmerman. The Orchestra performs Paul's own compositions and a varied selection of uniquely arranged standards from a wide range of artists. The line-up of 8 violins, 4 cellos, guitar, flute, bass and percussion accompanies Paul on vocals and piano, joined by his lead vocalists, Charlotte Andrew and Poppy Raine. Paul and his Orchestra regularly perform at concerts, festivals and private events throughout the UK and internationally, including headlining the Theatrium Wilhelmstraße Festival in Wiesbaden, Germany and an 8 state tour of the USA which culminated in a spectacular roof-top performance on top of the New York Strand Hotel. Increased attention and success led to the orchestra being featured on BBC Radio 2 by Joan Armatrading with interviews and airplay of one of Paul's songs, 'Don't Forget'. This led to Paul supporting Joan Armatrading on five occasions during her recent UK tours.

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Hero Blues is a truly unique band from Kent incorporating a wide range of genres into their folky sound, which is defined by uncommon instruments, catchy melodies and homemade technology such as the telephone microphone. Taking advantage of multi-musicianship and classical training, Hero Blues are an exciting and eclectic live act with a repertoire that ranges from quiet folk songs to loud rocky riffs to upbeat ragtime/blues. Luke Fraser (lead vocals, guitars and mandolin) Will Bouette (backing vocals, bass guitar, accordion and cello) and Sam Hague (backing vocals, drums and percussion and guitar) all attend the Judd School and formed 'Hatful of Rain' around Christmas 2010 and started gigging in early 2011. Now called 'Hero Blues', the band is working on developing a stripped down set to provide another side to their growing reputation as an "up-and-coming" live band, supporting major touring bands at venues such as The Forum. Hero Blues is signed with Relium X Records and is recording and performing as much as possible and has just released their debut E.P. Influences in songwriting range from modern bands such as Mumford & Sons, Radiohead and The Raconteurs to older groups like Dire Straits, Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac. Being tipped by many as a band to watch, Hero Blues are not to be missed.

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