Hurrah! it's time to catch up with the latest cover version floating around from talented folk whose own music is just as worthy of your attention and ££/$$! Here's what you get on this week's Cover Up playlist...
Hobbie Stuart ~ As Long As You Love Me (Justin Beiber cover):
There's something quite amazing and intoxicating about Hobbie Stuart's expressive vocals that I could listen to all day. The Brighton based singer has amassed an impressive following on twitter, thanks to his insightful & nuanced versions of modern day pop smashes. Structured around a tender acoustic guitar, it's Hobbie's voice that guides the song & ensures that the lyrics are bought to life with a gentle yearning & tenderness in every note he delivers. His voice effortlessly goes from soulful tenor to soaring falsetto without skipping a beat. There's also an incredible moment around the 2m mark, where Hobbie lets loose and imbues the song with a sense of intensity and passion. It's this knowledge of how tap the intricacies of his voice to make it both an instrument & part of the lyrical storytelling that demands he has a successful future. For further evidence, check out his delightful original July Rain. It starts off a slow burn, electro ballad with a pulsing heartbeat underlying Hobbie's charming voice. As the chorus kicks in, a percussive beat layers the song & underscores those romantic lyrics. It's entirely compelling, drawing the listener in and subtly but irrevecably demanding full attention. Quite stunning.
Gavin Beach & Jamie Cleaton ~ River (Emeli Sande cover):
I'm always smitten by a decent piano player pared with a male vocal and the teaming of Gavin Beach (vocals) and Jamie (piano) provides me with just that. Together, the pair seem to have an innate understanding of the rhythm & flow needed to make Emeli's River instantly recognisable but also put their own stamp on it. Jamie's piano seamlessly weaves alongside Gavin's rich & soulful vocal style. He makes the melody flow to match the never ceasing nature of the titular body of water. Similarly, Gavin knows how to add a touch of rawness to the energy of his voice at just the right time, creating a more gutteral honesty required by the song. Together there's a symbiosis in the way the song brings their respective talents together. It's quite mesmerising and definitely a musical piece of art bought to life. Can't wait to hear more, either singularly or together, from this talented duo...
Bryan Finlay ~ Curiosity (Carly Rae Jepsen cover):
I've been a big fan of young Bryan ever since I walked into a Hollister and heard his amazing track Sentimental Fool, a song that still gets me in a reet chipper mood whenever I hear it. He's taken a bit of time to grab his guitar, sit on his roof top and whip out an organic, acoustic version of Carly Rae Jepsen's Curiosity (extra points for not going town the obvious Call Me Maybe route!). It's a more down tempo & down beat song than her irresistable Call Me Maybe and Bryan is able to give the tune more of an indie-rock vibe with his interpretation. I like that there is this hint of a growl in Bryan's projection of his voice, which gives the song a slightly more dangerous, edgy appeal. As always though, Bryan's voice is eminently listenable and he ultimately makes Curiousity sound totally at home alongside his own catalogue of tracks. Tres bon!
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