Chris & Kellie While

To here Chris & Kellie on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour click here http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/2005_02_thu_04.shtml

Review of 'Chris & Kellie While'

CHRIS AND KELLIE WHILE

This is a varied and serene album from excellent mother and daughter duo Chris and Kellie While. Chris is well known for her collaboration with Julie Matthews, and Kellie for her exciting contribution to the Albion Band and e2K. They join together here in an appealing collection of songs characterised by their stripped back simplicity. Chris and Kellie's accomplished guitar playing accompanies their distinctive singing.

There is a nicely balanced feel to the album with both singers taking turns to lead or provide harmony. The album builds up its impact as Chris's song-writing skills emerge - after a number of earlier covers - alongside Kellie's extraordinary singing. The two highlights are indeed Chris's own compositions. Memories Of You features Chris's resonant singing leading in a tribute to her father. It is particularly moving when Kellie joins in the chorus evoking a sense of connection across the three generations. Safe Place meanwhile hits you with the sheer emotional power of Kellie's voice.

The album concentrates on contemporary song, sometimes with an American flavour as in Empty Hearts by Johnson and McDonald as recorded recently by Alison Krauss. Van Diemen's Land, however, shows the duo can cover a radical traditional song too in a number effectively arranged by Chris. Her voice seems very suited both to the narrative as well as lyrical vein - as indeed is Kellie's. This is surely not the last recording of such a highly successful combination. More concentration on Chris's own songs would enhance a future album even further.

Andy Jurgis
Living Tradition

Another review of 'Chris & Kellie While'

Chris and Kellie While
This CD acts as a timely balm to be smothered over the current rash of anodyne female singers. The Norahs, Dianas and Katies should listen to this and learn the lesson of how a voice can infuse a song with soul and real meaning. There is no doubt that families singing have a unique quality but when you have Chris' depth and Kellie's delicacy allied to range and raw power, there is nothing else to do but turn up the volume and revel in the harmonies. The selection is mainly a mix of contemporary material, some of it penned by Chris, and the American -style singer/songwriter influence is obvious. One or two tracks, such as '100 Miles' and 'Memories of You' are familiar from previous recordings but the arrangements here are designed to feature the two voices and the cleanness of the playing. There is the rhythmic and brooding 'Van Diemen's Land' and great versions of Julie Miller's 'Broken Things' and Emily Saliers' 'Power of Two'. Despite the gentle pace of one or two tracks, this is an album guaranteed to put a smile on your face and it's clear that mother and daughter had a great deal of fun putting it altogether. Great photos too. Highly recommended.

Folk on Tap - July 2004