RGG March 2016 - p.12
Birmingham songwriter Harry Jordan and fellow musician Michelle Dawes are together
creating a real positive stir at the moment in the Midland's music scene with their unique
mix of Rockabilly, Skiffle and Blues influences laced with witty lyrics with a strong
focus on life and tales of Birmingham. The duo are about to launch their EP titled
'Blowin Up Your Juke Box' which was recorded at Birmingham’s iconic Highbury
studios whose previous clients have included legends such as Ruby Turner,
Duran Duran and Ocean Colour Scene. On March 20th they play Cafe Ort, Moseley,
Birmingham and music promoters are placing bets on this pair becoming busy fast.
When asked about about their attitudes to live
shows, according to Harry
“We often find
ourselves sharing stages with all male bands,
we feel we have a huge responsibility to prove
women are equally as creative and able to be
professional musicians”
. The duo have made
it clear that they are keen to inspire other
women to start playing their own instruments
and prove that female musicians play a crucial
role in contributing to both the local and
national Music scene.
Media wise they are gaining a lot of attention
for their retro 50's and 60's image, which as
well as being visually striking, translates
musically equally as strong. One of the
attractions to the duo's music is the clever use
of lyrics and the singing style which echoes
past rockabilly greats, but they also have their
roots in their hometown firmly planted. Harry
states
“I’ve lived in Birmingham all my life, and
this has influenced my artistry and writing
massively. I wanted to release an EP that
sounded like it had come out of the Midlands”
.
The EP Blowin’ Up Your Juke Box will be
available in psychical format or digital
download from the end of March 2016.
A stunning three track EP which will
get Birmingham based songwriters
Harry Jordan and Michelle Dawes
a lot of commercial success if they
play their retro cards right. The
easy thing to point out is that
Harry Jordan is like a female Elvis;
young, eager to rock and bursting
with showbiz persona but I think it's
more elegant to hope that she
becomes just as inspiring as
American singer songwriter Sister
Rosetta Tharpe who was a real pioneer
of 20th-century music. Judging by the
standard of songwriting on this EP I think she
may have a big future. Title track 'Blowin Up The
Juke Box' is a song that speaks for itself as it
delves into some of the great rock n roll themes
of the fifties and forces those sounds to explode
into modern day life with a more cutting and
fresher vibe. If you've ever listened to artists
such as Imelda May then you'll get exactly what
Harry Jordan is doing here. One of my favourites
By Nick J Townsend
HARRY
JORDAN
MARCH
20
