What else is there to do on a cold, windswept evening on the eastern streets of Oxford, but to head down to a temporary gig space/arts centre just off the Cowley Road. The Old Bookbinders (not to be mistaken with its namesake over in Jericho) is a bit like gate-crashing a student house party: fairy lights, garlands and bunting, old sofas, chairs, and a smattering of plastic tables. There’s a makeshift bar serving alcohol by night, and tea and coffee by day – and all of this goes hand in hand with tonight’s intimate musical offering, courtesy of Heavenly Recordings.
The evening kicks off with James Walbourne. The man who would be Michael Hutchence – in looks that is – but that’s no reason to hold it against him. James/Michael has an impressive musical CV – Edwyn Collins, Saint Etienne, The Pretenders to name but a few – but he’s got enough pedigree of his own. His debut album, The Hill, was released last month and he certainly has the talent to move up the bill from second support slot. Laconic, country-style music and lyrics to match (including a sudden death in a churchyard), all that was missing was the beards. I really enjoyed the numbers that ratcheted up a gear, washboard in tow, and I’ll be keeping a mackerel ear out in the future.
Next up was Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou, husband and wife folk combo. Pitch perfect, great harmonies, an undoubtedly talented duo but a little too same tempo for my ears. Nice touch from Mr Moss though, managing to play harmonica and guitar simultaneously. From a fish not blessed with amazing co-ordination, I bow to your greater motor skills. I frequently find breathing and walking hard.
So hey, hey, here she comes: Julie Baenziger is Sea of Bees. But don’t be fooled by her kooky banter, for beneath the beatnik looks and slightly off the wall between-song soundbites, beats a heart of intensity and a talent to match. There were moments during her set when I shut my eyes just to focus on her voice. She soars and dips; it’s cut glass, deep ocean and blue sky. Absolutely pure and vulnerable, she really did take my breath away. In fact it was only when I reflected on the evening the next day did I realise just how spell-binding her performance was. I sort of imagine that in a few years time, I might recall a February night at a strange temporary venue in Oxford that was later turned into a block of flats (as is indeed the fate of the Old Bookbinders next month), and recall alchemy at work.
Sea of Bees is pure magic – catch her live if you can, but if not catch a listen/download these including set fave Skinnybone.
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Download Sea of Bees – The Woods mp3 (from The Woods EP)
Download Sea of Bees – Lightfriend mp3 (from The Woods EP)
Visit MySpace pages for James Walbourne, Trevor Moss and Hannah Lou, and Sea of Bees.
Order James Walbourne’s The Hill here. Order Sea of Bees Song For The Ravens here.
Remaining Tour Dates
Feb 10 Hare and Hounds, Birmingham
Feb 11 The Bowery, Sheffield
Feb 12 Fibbers, York
Feb 13 Captains Rest, Glasgow
Feb 17 Night And Day, Manchester
Feb 18 Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
Feb 19 Cluny 2, Newcastle
Feb 21 Gallery Cafe, London
Feb 23 The Joiners, Southampton
Feb 24 Wilmington Arms, Clerkenwell, London
Feb 26 Westminster Reference Library, London
The Mad Mackerel 
LOVE sea of bees, thank you! i’m not sure i understand how to download. it takes me to a page and plays the song, but i can’t go further. . . is that it?