JP Cooper - Colour Me In Gold Shed Sessions Review

This is a song which I came across unexpectedly as I scrolled through the subscriptions list of my Youtube channel. I've loved all three videos of JacksGap's series 'Shed Sessions', not just the music but the way they're filmed and the authenticity of the chosen location.

However, JP Cooper's 'Colour Me In Gold' struck me the most as it was so unexpected. I hadn't heard of him or his music before this and so when an angelic falsetto voice hit my ears it was a bit of surprise! Additionally, the structure of this song is soothing with a falling chord progression on the guitar and whilst Cooper does his thing with all the licks, tricks and flicks possible you can't go wrong.

I thought that the lyrics and meaning of the song was nicely unconventional for what love songs usually are, making an engaging change. Also, because his image and style isn't typical of a acoustic guitar playing singer/songwriter I found it all pleasantly refreshing.

Hannah Jolley

You can follow JP Cooper on all social media:
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Gregory Porter - Movin' Track Review

I was intrigued to listen to Gregory Porter when I heard the advert for his album on Spotify as his deep talking voice already had me convinced that his singing would be rich and smooth. I wasn't disappointed, Porter's voice has that soul behind it that really reminds me of Marvin Gaye, but the little riffs and licks also make it similar to Stevie Wonder.

This track Movin' has everything you could want or expect from a jazz song. The funky horn section, jazzy piano chord progressions and a classic saxaphone solo which sends shivers down your spine. But with the soul influence, it doesn't have the repetitive sound that can sometimes come with jazz music. It also serves a good purpose as background music in the evening or just generally in a situation where mellowness is needed.

Hannah Jolley



You can follow Gregory Porter on all social media:
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Once - The Musical Review

A slightly different review this time, but it had such an impact on me so I had to review it and give it some more recognition. I went to see the musical 'Once', at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End last night and it's now up there with my favourite musicals!

It's an adaptation of the Irish independent, low budget film 'Once', which was released in 2007, written and directed by John Carney. I had enjoyed seeing the film a while ago so I knew a few of the songs already but I definitely found the broadway version much more resonating. This was because of the fact that the music is live and you are able to appreciate their talent much more in the flesh. It is set in Dublin, Ireland (I always love an Irish play/film, the whole culture does it for me!) and is about a man who lives and breathes music. However, he works in a hoover repair shop helping his father and it starts out with him busking, not earning much and singing in his despaired state of mind. He is just about to give up hope when a Czech girl notices him and changes his life around by making him more determined to pursue music and giving him faith that he is good enough to get a record deal.

The music is like no other musical as it isn't happy clappy with choreographed dance routines (don't get me wrong, I love that type of musical too) but it's music that people can really relate to and understand the positions that the character's are in. The soundtrack could easily be mistaken for an indie/folk acoustic album for people not familiar with it, and can be listened to at any time along with the rest of your music library. The acoustic guitar and piano are a combination which I always feels works so well, especially in the way they are played here with the Irish influence.

David Hunter, playing 'Guy'

I was already won over when the main character Guy started talking with his Irish accent and lingo, that was before he had even started singing! But the song 'Leave' at the start of the play exposes the audience to the heart felt and love driven theme that runs through out the music. David Hunter matched the character perfectly and not to mention his flawless voice which did Glen Hansard, who played Guy in the film justice to say the least! Along with the super talented musicians playing every instrument under the sun, (mandolin, piano, violin, cello, guitar, bass you name it!) and also the well timed comedic elements, it is the perfect recipe for a good theatre experience.

The voice's of David Hunter and Jill Winternitz (who plays Girl) blend and compliment each other with the angelic harmonies and honest emotion. My favourite songs are 'When Your Mind's Made Up', 'Falling Slowly', and 'Gold' (the acapella version especially gave me goosebumps). After falling in love with Guy, I'm now trying to accept the fact that he isn't real and isn't singing those songs about me!

Hannah Jolley

You can buy tickets to see Once here