Jess Upton on vocals and Steve Wilson on acoustic guitar and vocals. Live at Beach & Barnicott from 9.00 on Friday 5th August. Free entry.
Jess Upton is Dorset’s best keep musical secret. Since fronting her first band, the stunning “Jess Upton Soul Band”, at the age of 17 she has captivated audiences and received great plaudits from those lucky enough to hear her sing. Her voice is as versatile as it is beautiful, having worked with big bands, an acapella trio and a Pink Floyd tribute band (featuring her extraordinary performance of Great Gig in the Sky!
Steve Wilson cut his musical teeth with The Little Green Men, a band that developed a strong cult following in the late 80s early 90s from Northampton to Weymouth. In 1993 he decided to go back to college to study music and performing arts, going on to form The Steve Wilson Band, which has so far produced 2 albums (Stepping It Up A Notch and Sideshows And Fairytales), both of which feature Jess on Backing vocals. Together they have worked on and off since 1995 when they appeared cast as country singers in a play by Lindsay Ingram, entitled The Grievous Angels. Since then they have shared a love of alt. country /folk and acoustic roots music and a residency at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage has seen them develop their unique style and cement their working relationship.
Jess Upton is a familiar name to many having performed in various guises and with various partners over the years. Her sensitive, soulful interpretations of songs by the likes of Norah Jones, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon were expertly arranged and accompanied by Dorchester-based guitarist, Steve Banks.
There is a wonderfully secure dynamic between the two performers resulting in a well balanced and emotive delivery. Highlights of the evening included songs by Sam Cooke, Ray Lamontagne and James Brown. It’s a tribute to Upton’s experience and maturity of expression that allows her to carry off and truly own a song, particularly when the originals were performed by men.
After such successful gigs at the Beach and Barnicott together, this will only be another great gig and night out.