Album Sampler CD EP

CAT Records  www.cat-records.co.uk

Known in their neighbourhood as ‘The Street Soul Guys’, this group met and formed at Salford University. As ‘Beggar Joe’ is a terrible name, they should just adopt their nickname. Busking in Manchester ain’t the easiest way to gain experience but that’s what they did to get started and known, passers by took camera and mobile footage of them and told their mates. However these cuts were put together in as organic fashion as possible in Southern France.

Their versatility is touted as their trump card, so obviously we are interested. Producer Al Stone who helped Jamiroquai break through took an interest in the group and they are an important element in the launch of CAT records, an enterprise also involving Tyrone Hinds and Chet Mehmet. These guys aren’t dumb and we must applaud their helping an act knocked into shape by live performance as opposed to, say, a generic ‘r&b’ would-be soul karaoke diva or blonde electro-pop cutie in the Little Superdrug mode. Having already performed in China and Italy and across the States, Beggar Joe now have UK dates lined up.

Now none of this will work unless the group can play with enthusiasm and write songs that appeal. On this 3-tracker we have ‘No More Revelations’ (every British MP’s dream) which is a loping acoustic guitar-led tale with a Jon Amor feel and plenty of light and shade which would suit most venues. A neat Jon Kenzie vocal, too, slightly reminiscent of Steve Forbert. It’s the light touch that makes this stuff endearing. ‘Sleeping City’ has an insistent slide part almost sounds like a late-period Chris Rea song, unsurprising when you think of Rea’ s blues roots and this group’s stated influences. The double bass notes hang across the changes with a hint of voodoo percussion here and there and electric piano lurks until the gospel tempo kicks in.   ‘Rely On’ is a winsome pastoral piece, sounds like a fourth-in-the-setlist job to me.

Surprisingly sophisticated but still warm, this group has certain something. Check ‘em out

Pete Sargeant   www.fairhearing.co.uk