Day 2

I chose to start where I left off - St Giles Parish Church - and was confronted by the most fragile and sweetest of singer/songwriters; Holly McGarry from the USA. Bittersweet songs reflecting Holly’s youthful life experiences could not fail to demand attention, especially in a church that telegraphed sound so sympathetically. I met Holly after her performance and will be playinga song from her latest album during my Focus Wales radio feature.

Wrexham favourite Andy Hickie was up next with his folk tales. This is my first experience of Andy who I had expected to offer something a little harder edged and modern, and I’m not really sure why… I can best sum his performance up as competent but uninspiring, unlike the next performer…

“Siôn Russell Jones signed a deal with Welsh label Still Small Voice during his final year at The University of Glamorgan Atrium where he was studying music. In October 2010, 24 year old Siôn released ‘And Suddenly’ his debut album, which is brimming with intricate guitar lines and luscious vocal harmonies. Siôn has been playing guitar since he was seven and he is often compared to singer-songwriters Newton Faulkner and Paul Simon.”

Well, it’s not often that PR blurb speaks the the whole truth about an artist’s qualities but on this occasion I can confirm that Sion is one of the most interesting UK prospects I’ve heard this year.

Siôn is from Cardiff and provided me with some real inspiration. Let me give you an example: Simon handed me his 2010 album and out of ten tracks chose no less than nine which I will be playing over the next few months on my radio show. It’s like this: you may be the most talented singer/guitarist on earth but if the songs just aren’t there it ain’t going to work. So, in addition to great performing skills this young lad had great songs, meaningful songs, moving songs. Ah, but wait this is the UK and unless you get hammered on BBC Radio 1 day-in, day-out hit records and public recognition will remain a dream. Talent like this deserves to be heard and frankly the fact that it isn’t is nothing less than criminal. WAKE UP RADIO!!!!