David Sneddon & Chris Townsend (Accoustic Sessions)

Chris Townsend, a relative newcomer supporting David Sneddon, opened the show and gave a confident performance. He has a strong voice, tuneful in the upper range, with a pleasingly gruff edge when he projects at a lower register. His guitar style is robust but does not drown out his singing. Whilst performing, he created on-the-spot layers to his music by line-looping on a synthesizer to produce background bass, guitar and drums.

With one exception his material was his own. Some songs, e.g. 'What are you waiting for', were taken from his EP of that name. All you can say was a brand new number getting its first airing. All of his songs were well-crafted with good lyrics. He also has the ability to put across a song which was evidenced in his only cover, a version of Crowded House's Don't dream it's over, which went down a storm with the audience. Chris Townsend will be recording his debut album in October (due for release next January). He is definitely a performer worth looking out for

David Sneddon in his alter ego is the lead singer of an upbeat band called The Martians. Much of his time, however, is spent performing acoustically in clubs. In this world premiere performance he was ably accompanied on acoustic guitar by fellow Martian, John Kielty. (Kielty is currently working on Sundoe, a musical about Zombies commissioned by impresario, Cameron Macintosh and due for performance at Eden Court in Inverness this November.)

David on stage is very much a fresh-faced, cheeky chappy until he gets behind his piano and then the serious performer takes over. He puts his heart and soul into his music. He played all his own songs, seven in all: the rather poignant, One old soul; the autobiographical Time; Lady Lullaby; Insomnia; Wish you well - my personal favourite; 'White noise', the title track from his current album and finally, by audience request, Stop living the lie.

Sneddon is strong on the piano and is undoubtedly a good singer. His delivery is honest and unaffected which allows the audience, not only to enjoy the natural qualities of his voice, but also to focus on his lyrics which are at some times touching whilst at others provoking and edgy. They are always thoughtful and intelligent. He comes across very much as a person who does not take himself too seriously but as someone who has given total commitment to his music. He clearly enjoys performing.

The audience last night was quick to pick up on this and an immediate rapport was established. As he said, music has been good to him. By forsaking the bubblegum world of pop offered to him through his success in 'Fame Academy' and allowing his depth to show, David Sneddon has in turn been good for music.

© Ruby Soxer. 25 August 2007. First.published on www.EdinburghGuide.com

Run 23-25 August 2007