TWENTY TWO years of musical partnership gathering numerous nominations, awards and critical acclaim along the way, Chris While and Julie Matthews have recently reaffirmed their place as one of the finest duos in acoustic music with the release of their tenth studio album released on September 16 on Fat Cat Records.
Shoulder to Shoulder features the upbeat Here It Comes Again and the ballad Ordinary Day. There is also room for political comment in Pride, a calling for solidarity in support of LGBT rights across the globe and Are We Human, an answer to the intolerance and ignorance facing refugees fleeing to Europe. While’s recent co-writing partnership with acclaimed songwriter Charlie Dore brings a new dimension to the album with three songs: Slim to Nil, about long-distance relationships; the quirky and charming Nothing Yanks My Chain (Like You Do) and Leap of Faith, a moving account of a mother and daughter reunited after 25 years.
The duo can be heard performing songs from their new album at Pontardawe Arts Centre on September 23. Call 01792 863722 or visit npttheates.co.uk for details.