Description
After 22 years of musical partnership this is the tenth studio album from Chris While and Julie Matthews.
Shoulder to Shoulder introduces eleven brand-new songs to the already mighty arsenal of material that positions them as go-to writers for projects such as the acclaimed BBC Radio Ballads and the Ballads of Child Migration. These are songs which cover diverse topics and bridge musical genres.
Shoulder to Shoulder includes the upbeat Here It Comes Again the powerful ballad Ordinary Day (with a breathtaking interpretation from Chris While’s lead vocal), and two cutting songs of political comment: 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 introduces a new dimension to this 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.
Each track is delivered with impeccable vocals, musicianship and harmonies and produced with clarity and detail.
On this album While and Matthews are supported by a full cast of world-class musicians. On bass, Neil Fairclough (Queen, E2K); drums, Neil Marshall (Albion Band); new addition Johnny Heyes on electric and acoustic guitars; Danny Hart (Flats and Sharps) on fiddle and banjo. With guests: guitarist Ken Nicol, Australian double bass player Liz Frencham and additional vocals from Christine Collister and Kellie While.
BBC Radio 2 Bob Harris ‘music from the heart’ BBC Radio 2 Bob Harris
“Good, solid, reliable song crafting & top-notch musicianship.. you’ll go a very long way to find better than this. Their beautiful voices & impeccably crafted melodies supply everything that any lover of folksy pop could ask for.”- HiFi News
Beautifully constructed songs with great playing & lovely harmonies”-Country Music People.
“some of the finest folk music and female singing this country has to offer”-Get Ready to Rock
“Chris & Julie are on top form & just can’t put a foot wrong”-Froots.
