Press Reviews and comments

The London Sound may have gone global, but its roots are still visible at the Shanghai. For a blues-obsessive, it's a must. Oh, and try and catch London Elegance. You'll know its them when you see an oddly out of place orchestral harp - but oh, can he play! They're hard, cheeky, and gifted. - Kat Malcomb, Nites Out

Rockin' British blues jams can and have changed the world...but this [Sweet Seduction] is a bit more of a sweet melodic dance groove jam than the tunes that made Led Zepplin and the Rolling Stones famous! That amazingly graceful instrument that sounds like a weird cross between blues piano and blues guitar is actually an orchestral harp, like you've seen in so many cheezy pictures of angels...but this player developed the art of playing it in a whole new sensual direction. This jam tune is truely UNIQUE AND AMAZING! - Dancing Dave The String Inspiration Incident

HEY LONDON ELEGANCE, THIS IS ANGEL OF KARAOKE, LOVE YOU GUYS, THE MOST AWSOME BLUES BAND I HAVE HEARD YET, CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR MORE FROM YOU REAL SOON. - Angel of Karaoke, Karaoke Singer, Indianapolis, USA

There are many things that I never thought I would see. First the Berlin Wall came down, then rugby union became professional, and now London Elegance have finally released a studio recording. The primary impact of this capital-based ensemble is the sight of an otherwise conventional rock band sharing a stage with a full-size orchestral harp in a smoke-filled intimate venue. In their first studio release following on from their successful live offerings, the band have recorded many previously unheard tracks.

Sailor's Dream begins with the rhythmic and sedate Snake in the Sheets whose bawdy title gives no hint of the relaxed blues style. The underlying riff plays hypnotically throughout the recording, contrasting with the intermittent percussion which, I'm led to believe, was due to the band insisting on recording in one take, but drummer Sylvain Glamorgan disappearing to smoke anyway.

Descent from the Mist sounds like the band have spent too long drinking Ouzo and have tried to slot a Greek sound into a Blues framework. It's a melodic ramble which sums up their improvisational style, which often lacks structure and direction. This track will be enjoyed by hard-core London Elegance fans only.

Whispered Ascentions takes the band back to its earlier days. The blues rhythms are laid out by Lambeth Stuart in his usual laid-back style. The melancholy feel stems from the timing of this song, which was written four weeks he lost his twin brother in a freak jetski accident. The only disappointment is that I've only heard the 3-track preview version, leaving me waiting for the full version which will be available on the internet shortly.

All in all, if you want to capture the flavour of London Elegance, go see them perform at the Studio in Marylebone. If you can't get to a gig, this CD comes a close second. --Iestyn Jones, London Sound

For the last ten years, the Rock Bottom in Marylebone has been one of London's most precious venues for blues. On Thursdays, it's a purists' paradise where local groups play intense straightahead material to a keen and receptive audience. London Elegance has a five week engagement, and if last night's performance is any indication there'll be many more. This eclectic quintet are exploring their blues roots, and the effect of an orchestral harp in lead is nothing short of magic. Let's hope they explore their roots thoroughly! - Iestyn Jones, London Sound

"Occassionally one has the sense of an important discovery, hearing London Elegance was that kind of experience", Noah Claypole, Editor, UK Culture. "...London Elegance awakens something deep inside. Often borrowing liberally from multiple sources, their music defies consistent analysis. Their latest release, recorded live from a gig in the West End should leave little doubt about who is London's house band..."

"Powerful stuff, beautiful stuff." - Grant St James, Webmaster, Sceptred-Isle dot Com. "London Elegance arrived on the London West End scene like a hell-bent mare and has been wowing the music scene since. Often featuring two orchestral harps, their sound is distinctly original. Their latest hit 'Marylebone Rain' is destined to be a classic".

"When we have an on-night, the crowd gets off on our stuff. And that gets us off. And when we get off, everybody gets off. I like to jam until I'm so knackered I can't stand up..." Nick Sterling, London Elegance Soloist.

"Your songs are unreal. I can't get over Whispering into my Socks" Lindi Heart, DJ, Melbourne

"Don't try to find a convenient pidgeon-hole for London Elegance's recently released live recording of "Chichester Outlaw". Once again, the quintet draws upon its diversified musical and geographical roots to produce an invigorating work. The Stakhanovite percussion provides the foundation upon which the theatrical keyboards vivify the listener's senses. The guitars and harp alternate between haunting melodic jazz improvisation and hard rock riffs. The overall effect leaves the listener feel like an eavesdropper at an intimate musical gathering. "Chichester Outlaw" would embellish most diversified musical collections, and defy categorization in all." - Iestyn Jones, London Sound

"Marylebone Rain is incredible!" Lochinvar Morrison(Editor, London Music Scene)

"...not the least of many surprises this summer, London Elegance has just released Indianapolis Angel. This short - but tantalizing - cut is an accoustic solo by lead harpist Nick Sterling. The angels never had it so good..."
-- Stan Hughes, City Scene

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"Shanghai Jam (Part 1)" genre: Electric Blues
	lo fi play (dial-up) hi fi play (broadband) download (5.4 MB)	email track to a friend view track info	add to My.MP3
	Live at the Shanghai Club! Lambeth's cheeky solo captured in a six minute fragment. Defining London's underground scene. Sassy. Also Nick (harp), Sylvan (keyboards), Drew (charang), Garth (drumz). CD Quality.
	CD: Galina's Lament Credits: Thanx and greets to the Sonnet Lady for the gin-spiration
"Sweet Seduction" genre: Blues Rock
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	An ode to seduction... Blissful, richly measured blues. An eclectic ballad featuring the mellifluous, reverberant orchestral harp that hallmarks the unique style of London Elegance. Recorded spontaneously as part of a jam session following the BBC sessions..
	MP3.com CD: Sailor's Dream - buy it! CD: August Heat
"Snake in the Sheets" genre: Blues Rock
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	Raw, hard blues rock, 9 1/2 minutes of pure, grinding, undiluted, erotic blues rock. Intense harp solos throughout. A must.
	MP3.com CD: Sailor's Dream - buy it! CD: Sailor's Dream

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