Jake Morrell

It may have been freezing outside, on an early November evening, but Jake Morrell and his band certainly gave the audience something to warm up to. The 4 piece band, gave The Bedroom Bar in Shoreditch a special acoustic set, which highlighted their alluring folk sound. Last night was shining example of a talented British band that is capable, of stripping it back to basics. Although the acoustic set was slightly different to their usual sound, it in fact this presented the band’s versatility. Jake Morrell’s soulful vocals fixated the audience as his band played in a style which crosses between folk, indie and pop. Their hybrid sound is charming and homey, which certainly gave the audience that warm-fuzzy feeling!

This young band is certainly one to look out for the near future; it’s undeniable that they will make a mark in the British Music industry.

At present the band are gigging around the UK, and are planning on some new exciting recording projects for 2014.

Their EP; ‘Hey Bright Eyes’ is available on iTunes. - Media4youth

At the time of writing Jake Morrell and Band have been together for nine months, and what an eventful gestation period it has proven to be. In the nine months it has taken to give birth to this über talented folk-pop baby, they have already successfully produced an EP and music video and played at an impressive number of venues (which includes supporting such bands as the Brand New Heavies).

And to top it all, just to prove that these guys are well past potty training and have a full set of teeth; they already have performances at the Edinburgh Fringe under their belts.

No small feat by anyone's standards.

So who are Jake Morrell and what are they about?

Made up of a small but tight bunch of gifted musicians which includes its namesake Jake who is the lead singer/songwriter; the band also consists of Tom Maddison on double bass and backing vocals, Lewis Jenkins on drums and Rob Wiseman on keyboards.

They may well be an amiable lot, but make no mistake; this is a talented band who are going places, and fast. With their focus set on this year's upcoming music festivals; where their music flourishes and connects with those who it was created for, and an album in the making; 2013 may well see this band hit the big time.

Don't say you weren't warned.

As for their sound, if you are familiar with Noah and the Whale or Mumford and Sons, then this may give you a feel for their musical prowess; however their British folksy pop roots also conjures up visions of David Grey meets Keane.

However, to compare them with other musicians would not be doing justice to their distinctive and original sound. Their fusion of old and new folk-pop influences, with a few quirks thrown in, means that their music can and does appeal to a much wider audience.

Morrell likes to write about life experiences, and this can be witnessed in the lyrics, melody and tempo of some of the band's home spun ballads. At times the music can be a glorious lament to life, poignant and moving, soul soothing and beautiful; and at others an upbeat and joyful tribute to love lost and found.

Some music can inspire us or stir something deep within. Like an acknowledgement that at some point in our life we have been there too, or are on our way. The same can be said for this band's music. They seem to have an uncanny knack of being able to express through music what one is thinking and feeling.

At the end of the day, what we have here is a bunch of the good guys, putting their unquestionable talent on the table, wearing their hearts on their sleeves and creating something special.

And long may they reign.



Eleanor Goold is a freelance writer and reviewer. Her new ebook 'Learning How To Swim' covering a selection of her writing about love, life and everything in between will be out soon. Visit her website at http://eleanorgoold.com
You can also follow her on Twitter or Facebook - Eleanor Goold