Beth Rowley 'Little Dreamer' album

Born to British missionary parents in Peru, 1981, and raised in Bristol, songstress Beth Rowley is a British talent poised for greatness. Armed with a voice that stems from the canons of Motown, her bluesy, soulful sound is both captivating and unique – yet belies her youth. On record, she is everything that inspires her and much more - a music hall songstress and modern day chanteuse.

Having recently performed at London’s Pigalle Club with her 5-piece band, her future is – undoubtedly - bright.

A naturally gifted performer, Beth’s love of music began at home.
“I grew up with my dad playing guitar and old Woody Guthrie vinyls,” says Beth. “That’s what sparked the flame. We used to sit round and sing the blues, so it all went from there – funny how it’s always little things that make big things happen.”

“When I was 15 I started my own band – an experimental funk/soul/ acid jazz group. It mainly consisted of rehearsal times in other peoples’ garages, but felt like a rite of passage. I learned what it was to front a performance.”

Inspired by the experience, she became a regular soloist on her local live circuit. Spotted at an open mic night in Bristol’s The Old Duke at just 17, Beth later studied at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music, which offered her invaluable formal training and a mentor in the shape of soul singer Carleen Anderson. “I cut my teeth the old fashioned way, which – for me – was the only way to do it. I then spent a year at the BIMM, where I met Carleen – who was a constant source of encouragement - and developed my own sound.“

After building up a steady stream of support through low-key live dates, Beth teamed up with saxophonist Ben Castle (Duke Special/Jamie Cullum) in 2000 and began writing her own material. “I’m influenced by a lot of bluegrass, gospel, soul, jazz and country, so my music has moments of them all. It’s all of them and something else, something personal.”

Largely co-written by Beth with Ben, the 11-track debut album
‘Little Dreamer’ (May 19th) demands attention. Produced by Steve Power (Blur) and Kevin Bacon & Jonathan Quarmby (Richard Hawley, Finlay Quaye), it smoulders with a seductive charm that blends blues, jazz and soul with the spirit of a New York gospel choir. Captivating and unique, her warm, understated sound marks the arrival of an exciting British artist.
P.T.O
Highlights include the Willie Nelson classic ‘Angels Flying Too Close’ (featuring Irish wonder Duke Special), the shimmering, blues feel of ‘Sweet Hours’ and the smoky sound of ‘Nobody’s Fault But Mine’.

“I love that old-school sound of PP Arnold and the Ronettes, so there had to be some kind of throwback to that, but we also worked hard on getting the balance right. It’s a real leveller between the past and the present – and somewhere in between my sound emerged.”

“There’s a spirituality to my music, but it’s all pretty earthy. It’s about the realisms of being alive –which is important to me, because it’s all relevant to my life. All of these songs I have a personal connection with. An album shouldn’t be any other way.”

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Beth Rowley - Little Dreamer