ABS readers were introduced to Bristol based blues singer Elles Bailey last Christmas through her inclusion in England’s Top 10 blues tracks of 2022 chosen by the music site’s UK Correspondent. The single was “Cheats And Liars” from her highly acclaimed album Shining In The Half Light. At that time Bailey had been nominated for artist, album and live act of the year in the 2023 Americana Awards UK.
The prediction made by this correspondent was that she would win at least one category; in fact Elles won two gongs, UK Artist Of The Year and UK Live Act Of The Year, a phenomenal and well-deserved achievement. The coveted UK Blues Awards are now in her sights, hosted by the UK Blues Federation at London’s Bush Hall on 13th April with live performances from nominees including Elles.
“Riding Out The Storm” showcases the best of Bailey as a compelling, powerful, and soulful performer with an incredible vocal range and the rare ability to recreate the atmosphere of a live gig in a studio. The quality of her lyricism shines through, in this case with co-writer Joe Wilkins, exuding the perfect balance of emotion, candor and wisdom.
Elles has released a deluxe version of Shining In The Half Light with an additional nine tracks including the above. Five of these were recorded live at London’s The Pool Studios and two new originals and a pair of covers were recorded and mixed live to tape without computers at Middle Farm Studios in Devon. Her interpretation of John Fogerty’s “Long As I See The Light” is stunning, with brilliant jazz-infused piano from Jonny Henderson and trademark explosive guitar interpolations courtesy of Joe Wilkins. John Martyn’s “Over The Hill” receives a similar transformation.
The first single released from the new deluxe album, “Hole in my Pocket,” starts off as a slow burning ballad but transforms into a high energy, pulsating, slide guitar driven extravaganza. It is an inspirational mix of blues-inspired roots and rocking Americana. The video was directed and filmed by blues-rock star Kris Barrass.
Elles Bailey is not an overnight sensation; rather she has built up a loyal fan base over several years through hard work and dedication to her music with the support of an incredibly talented band. They are now beginning to reap the rewards and the awards they deserve but the satisfaction gained from winning the respect of the blues and Americana communities will undoubtedly be worth more.
Riding Out The Storm Video
Written by Elles Bailey & Joe Wilkins
Guitar – Joe Wilkins
Bass – Matthew Waer
Organ – Jonny Henderson
Drums – Matthew Jones
Background Vocals – Izo Fitzroy, Jadie Elliot, Andrusilla Mosley
Hole In My Pocket Video
Written by Elles Bailey & Matt Owens
Guitar – Joe Wilkins
Bass – Matthew Waer
Organ – Jonny Henderson
Drums – Matthew Jones
Background Vocals – Grace Lightman, Elio Evangelou, Kat Marsh
Engineered by Pete Miles
Mastered by Lewis Hopkin
Outlaw Music
