Snake Mary
Album: 11 17
Label: Silverley
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.snakemary.com

A chance meeting at a German jam session brought Kevin Barber and Beccy Brennan together. She brought along her partner Damon Sawyer to play drums and Snake Mary was born. The band's first album is born out of the blues but brings with it elements of rock, county and roots.

Barber is a guitarist who moved from Los Angeles to Suffolk. He plays not only guitar but also bass, organ and even "beginners slide guitar" - which reflects his musicianship and his honesty. Beccy handles the vocals with confidence and skill.

The album shows it's colours from the start - there is no mistaking this is a guitar player's disc - there are plenty of meaty solos. Tracks like Dystopia with some great wailing harmonica and the more soulful Consequences show what the band are all about. In many ways the album follows a tried and tested formula, a solid backbeat with lots of upbeat rocking guitar.

As it is, it works fine, but there were occasions when I felt myself remembering BB King's wise advice that "less is more" as the guitar threatened to swamp the rest of the sound. Barber produced 11 17 and he had certainly enjoyed himself. However perhaps next time another fresh pair of ears could help refine the overall sound.

John Knighton