Byron & Shelley

Every Friday night at Clementine’s Bistro and Bar, from 7 to 10 p.m., a very amiable environment of fine food, spirits and music can be enjoyed.

Byron and Shelley host an evening of acoustic tunes ranging from early ‘60s rock and roll to a variety of homespun country ballads and originals. (Erin Paige Dickinson is Shelley and Brandon El Haj is Byron.) They play with a style of “heart and soul,” but with what El Haj says is an “organic approach” to their music. One can only be captured by a pleasing harmony of vocals that is both aesthetic and exquisitely performed.

Erin Paige Dickinson and Brandon El Haj (Photo by Bonnie Carter)Both Byron and Shelley trade off, using various instruments during their performance, using a melodica, guitars, tambourine and bass. El Haj plays bass as his predominant instrument. Vocally, these two are great together as they blend so well in their trade-offs of songs and style and are very strong backing each other; this formula produces a very full sound for a duet; They also are very interactive with their audiences.

El Haj hails from Newport Beach, Calif. and Dickinson is from Cocoa Beach, Fla. These two met in the Czech Republic a couple of years ago playing open mike venues (as they are well-traveled). They came here to Portland because “this is a great musical town” from their point of view.

Dickinson’s vocals are very unique in quality as she has a Stevie Nicks character in her voice, yet has the smoothness of Joannie Mitchell when she sings. This is captivating.

The duet is young in character as a whole, yet their music is very contemporary and carries the strokes of familiar folk rock (and ballads) from the ‘60s. Both write their own music as well and reflect the sentiments of current times in the lyrics. It’s artistic, creative and very enjoyable to hear. They do like to blend up the evening with familiars such as works from the Beatles, Sam Cooke and Neil Young. Their flavor and influence are taken from such artists as Bob Dylan, Donovan and Phil Ochs.

Shelley and Byron both write their own music and are currently working on getting a CD cut finished by this summer. Dickinson is more “whimsical” in her approach, whereas El Haj is taking on the “contemporary relevance” of it all, definitely something to look forward to.

As for future venues, the duo plays a lot of private affairs and weddings, with occasional bookings in the local area. The duet does incorporate drums and the electric format, depending on what the venue calls for or in the planning of future shows. They have the dimensions of versatility and are a refreshing act to see.

You can catch Byron and Shelley at the Clementine Bistro and Bar every Friday night at 7 p.m., located at 510 N.E. 28th. This place sports an eloquent environment for dining and has a great choice of menu items, extremely easy on the pocketbook.

One last note, Byron and Shelley will be part of the upcoming benefit in support of Positively Entertainment on February 27 at The Copper Penny, S.E. 92nd and Foster Rd. Let’s all give our support for this upcoming event and come see this fine duo perform, along with some of Portland’s best in music. (See article this issue.)
- Positively Entertainment & Dining

We visited the Montavilla Station (SE 80th & Stark) recently & heard a talented young duo called Byron & Shelley, performing on acoustic guitars & harmonizing on tunes like The Beatles You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away. Their actual names are Brandon El Haj & Erin Paige Dickinson. They also play in a band called The Cloud Kings, who played the next set. Guitarist Asher Wood provided his expertise on guitar & vocals, to their credit! Besides their own versions of popular cover tunes, Erin composes excellent originals, such as Disguised, in her own unique style. Watch for more on this upcoming young talent. - Positively Entertainment