Sarah Gillespie - In The Current Climate

Personnel:
Sarah Gillepsie: vocals, guitar,
Gilad Atzmon: Accordion, saxes, clarinet, electronics,
Ben Bastin: Double bass, cello,
Enzo Zirilli: Drums, percussions.

Sarah Gillespie was born in London to an American mother and British father. She grew up in Norfolk, England interspersed with numerous trips to Minnesota, where she soaked in the sounds of Bessie Smith, Bob Dylan, Cole Porter and early blues and jazz. From the age of 4, Sarah composed songs on piano, and then at 15 began playing guitar. At 18, she moved to the USA, busking in the streets and playing gigs. On returning to London, she gained a first class degree in Film And Literature and an MA in Politics And Philosophy from Goldsmiths University. Supporting Ian Dury s band The Blockheads at Ronnie Scotts one night, Sarah met the saxophonist and composer Gilad Atzmon and Gilad went on to produce Sarah s critically acclaimed debut album Stalking Juliet (Egea). Sarah has since performed live on BBC Radio 4 s Woman s Hour, played festivals, jazz clubs, venues and Arts Centers across Britain and toured in Europe. Described by Rock n'Reel as a bracingly eclectic mix of Beat poetry with jazz, folk and Middle Eastern elements Sarah s music is a sonic reflection of the contemporary London street, a melting-pot mix of urban-folk stamped with her trademark lyricism that knits everyday banter with raw poetry. Sarah s quartet features Gilad Atzmon on accordion, clarinet and sax, Enzo Zirilli on drums and Ben Bastin on double bass. The band have just completed a new album In the Current Climate which will be released in January 2011. Sarah also writes occasional political papers published on various news websites and regularly organises fundraising concerts. She also paints, writes poetry and hosts songwriting workshops. She lives in London.

In the Current Climate is an utterly wonderful new record. Expected and got in spades Sarah s unique way with words plus terrific guitar playing, inspiring production and not just great songs, but totally original music. Brilliant, the bee s knees. --Robert Wyatt 2010