Bell

For those unfortunate not to have come across Gary Bell’s work in the past, Bell was the main man, guitarist and songwriter behind 90’s indie rock outfit Jumbo who mesmerised us with ear warming wonders such as ‘Divine’ and ‘Star’ amid vociferous critical acclaim. Following the band’s fruition Bell formed the short-lived Pavlov’s Dog before shaping the female lead alternative act Fallen Avatars. In between Bell had worked and produced acts such as Icelandic ice-queens Bellatrix.

What makes The Gary Bell Band different to other acts? Very simply the songs are pure, real and laid back but with a theatrical lyrical punch. Exquisite is an overused word but in this instance the song writing is just that – perfectly exquisite. The writing is genuine; the playing is gorgeously shhh whisper it ‘delicate’ and the production modern yet sublime. The lyrics are raw and yet strangely and importantly they don’t come from the heart, by God no, they come from the gut! They resonate from a mind devoid of pretence because there’s no room only because it’s choc-a-bloc full of pain, lost love, anger, experience, pure bloody mindedness and perseverance. The overall concoction is almost humbling. In a nutshell The Gary Bell Band are a living autobiography.

The quality of the musicianship in the band is extraordinary. On the debut album 'The Future's Not What It Used To Be', Bell roped in superior professionals from the High Llamas and the Turin Brakes in drummer Rob Allum, bassist Eddie Myer and keyboard duties from Phil Marten. In search of a vocalist and second guitarist Bell made an inspired choice in Joel White an undiscovered gem from Sussex.