The Polish Club in Clifton is an unpretentious venue that relies on an honesty of sentiment to create the ambience, rather than the colour of the walls, providing a sympathetic backdrop to Katey Brooks’ sell-out ‘True Speaker’ EP Launch. Hosted by the eminently likeable Gary Smith and Richard Pitt (Bristol Uncovered, BBC Radio Bristol), the night unfurled effortlessly, in a relaxed and seamless manner.

Those that turned up early were treated to an engaging performance from Bella Gibbins, who is similar in many respects to Tori Amos, but differentiates herself with her sardonic lyrical wit. Furlined also put in a guest appearance, but apart from some excellent and unusual percussive flurries, conjured up by the combined abilities of the band, which promised to fleetingly take us to new and exotic realms, the spell was soon broken, returning us back to a more parochial reality that was pleasant enough, but felt pedestrian by comparison.

When Katey took to the stage; a distinct air of composed anticipation and deference palpably shrouded the room. The entire audience was seated and silent, gently gazing in her direction. Katey Brooks deserves this kind of respect.

Opening her set, as she does her EP, with the profoundly soulful a capella ‘Hear Me Now’, it’s clear that her courage is as copious as her talent. Derived from the French words coeur and rage, meaning rage of the heart, the word courage is an entirely appropriate adjective for this 21 year old, who fearlessly tackles epic and weighty themes within her songs. ‘Hear Me Now’ is a beseeching cry to the Lord to ease her burdens, as she navigates her way toward personal fulfilment via shattered dreams, self recriminations and broken relationship. As mournful as a slaving song, it’s as haunting as it is beautiful. Drawing from the purest of gospel tradition, her delivery is pitch perfect and as emotively stirring as any negro spiritual chant that ever emanated from the cotton fields of the American deep south.

There’s an intensely intimate autobiographical vein to all of Katey Brooks’ songs that reveals an essential yearning. True Speaker, the title track of the EP, accompanied by springy African-style guitar, has Katey praying again, this time to assist her to express the love that she feels. There’s more resolve to her petition than in ‘Hear Me Now’, as her prayers inspire the revelation that love is spoken from the heart and not the mind. Emboldened by this knowledge she dismisses those that have attempted to inhibit her feelings with caution and censure, declaring that they lack freedom and soul.

The similarities between Katey Brooks and Tracey Chapman are evident and well documented. But Katey possesses a diversity of range, and draws inspiration from such a vast wealth of musical genres, that it is equally appropriate to liken her to Joni Mitchell, June Tabor, Joan Armatrading and Kris Delmhorst. Thematically there are many similarities too. Personal revelation, emotional rollercoaster rides, heartbreak, the discovery of inner strength, the expression of forthright opinion and a strong storey telling tradition are all elements present in her songs.

“Love is what inspires me the most” she explained, prior to going on stage. And with songs like ‘I Don’t Want No Other’ and ‘Grateful Rain’ on her new EP, it seems that her present focus for this is the exploration of love via relationship. But with all of her experiences informing her spiritual evolution, there seems to be a deeper drive to discover a love that cannot be personified and knows no fear.

Spiritually she is not following a prescriptive path; “I’m not singing about God in a religious context, I’m singing about God from a Universal perspective”. For Katey, God is the creative force behind all things, and like many truly estimable artists, she acknowledges that this is the source of her own personal creativity. “My music is organic; I do what feels right… something takes over that is more powerful than me, and I try and move out of the way and let it happen… I’m a channel for the Universe”. Guided by such profound inspiration she is clearly on a path that will lead her to the understanding that Love, Truth, and God all meet as one in the mind. And with this kind of impetus informing her work, Katey Brooks will inevitably continue to produce entirely remarkable work.

Katey Brooks is a guest artist with the new label Jelli Records, that was recently formed by Steve Parkhouse and the singer songwriter Jhassi Elliot. A low key launch in October 2006, featuring Roger Tarry, Rosie Garrard, Benita Johnson and Jhassi Elliot herself, and again hosted by the seemingly ubiquitous Gary Smith and Richard Pitt, placed Jelli Records on the map and gave some suggestion of its ultimate intent… which is clearly the production and promotion of exceptionally good music.

Jelli has already picked up quite a momentum. Promotional nights organised by the label are increasing brand awareness, and also providing a useful source of income. “Once the name is established, and there’s money in the bank, we will be in a position to sign up new acts” explained Steve. “The promotional nights definitely serve this purpose, but they’re also bloody good fun” added Jhassi. “We want people to associate Jelli Records with a good night out. And we are really going to be mixing it up with different kinds of music on offer, like Hip Hop and Dance… and there’ll be a Rock night before too long. We are even planning to do a really big night with a lot of stuff going on… lots of bands, VJ’s… it’ll have a real festival feel. We are out scouting new bands every week, and we are working with promoters from other cities, like London and Manchester, and arranging ‘exchange’ events as well. We have already put on nights at the Bedford in Balham. It’s a great way of getting Bristol artists out there, and also provides a means of bringing other artists in from out of town”.

Jelli Records are also co-promoting the ‘Cascade Steps’ stage at the Bristol Harbour Festival with Tony Hutton’s Tin Hut Promotions, as well as working together at the Keynsham Music Festival. They are also helping out with the Acoustic Tent at Ashton Court Festival. It’s clearly going to be a busy year for all concerned.

Review: Rachel Wild May 2007

Further information:

Katey Brooks: www.myspace.com/kateybrooks

Jelli records: www.myspace.com/jellirecords