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Chris While and Julie Matthews are two
of the most prominent singer/songwriters in the British
country and folk music arena and for many years have paid
their dues playing tiny venues around the country. Over the
past 18 months the girls have toured New Zealand, Australia
as well as the UK and are often aired on BBC Radio 2. In
addition to performing as a duo, Chris and Julie have also
been involved in several solo and band related projects
(Blue Tapestry, St Agnes Fountain, Chris and Kellie While).
Over and above these distinctions a range of artists
including Mary Black, Frances Black, Barbara Dickson, Kathy
Chiavola, Christine Collister and Fairport Convention has
covered their songs.
Here and Now is released as their sixth
album and produced by Chris and Julie, which we find filled
with ten songs featuring four written by Julie, three by
Chris and three written jointly. Julie states: "This
album is about stripping down to just the duo and presenting
songs as we would on stage". I first saw Chris and
Julie perform at a small country music club around 12 years
ago and since that initial viewing have seen them move forward
with great flair and  determination
in both their songwriting and stage performances. These
two fluid voices are diamond cut and polished to the highest
degree, ideally blending together to weave their emotional
magic.
Here and Now opens by assertively
declaring emotional heights of joy with "I'm On My
Way" (Matthews/While). The title track follows with a
stirring duet from these two fine vocalists who once again
conspire on the writing of another fresh and emotive song.
Singing with deep reflection over a sparse guitar
"Breath" (Matthews) leaves you breathless with the
warm ambience that these two girls create, while a virtual
lullaby calms the insecurities of a troubled mind with the
tender "Steady Breathing" (While).
With Chris and Julie showing their
panache by playing a variety of instruments on the various
tracks, which includes guitars, mandolin, gazouki, bodhran,
piano, organ and dulcimer, the overall effect of this album
will surly draw the listeners approval. Singing with
convincing wistfulness Chris and Julie softly close the
album with the fragile and pensive "So Long Old
Pal" (Mathews), lifting the listener higher and
swelling with emotion once again. Achingly delicate, Here
and Now is clearly a labour of love!!!
April 2006
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