live
SLOWLY ROLLING CAMERA
Dempseys, Cardiff
Fri 7 Mar
pic: CLAIRE COUSIN
Slowly Rolling Camera is a unique and burgeoning presence on the UK music scene in 2014. Since their
inception and the release of their debut album, they have developed a sound that pervades both the
contemporary soul vein and the more obscure jazz circles. Buzz chatted to one of the primary instigators
of this project, critically acclaimed jazz/classical pianist and composer Dave Stapleton, to find out more
about how the band came to fruition, their influences and what touring with the project is like.
Dave co-runs a jazz label in Cardiff, Edition Records, which has amassed an incredible roster of the
finest UK talent. Consequently, he has been able to call upon a select few of them to lend their services
to the live performance. “The core band is a four piece, we go out live as a seven-piece,” he says.
The base members are prolific artists in their own right and all share diverse musical backgrounds.
“Dee’s [Dionne Bennett, vocals] come from a very funky, soul sort of approach. Deri’s [Roberts,
producer/electronics] come from an electronic, music tech background. Elliot’s [Bennett, drums] come
from this trip-hop/hip-hop sort of sound and I’m coming from classical and jazz.”
With these eclectic stimuli, the group has been able to shape a distinctive quality in their music that
is quickly propelling them to the forefront of their musical territory. Their game plan has been a while
in the making. “Elliot’s been in my jazz band and we’ve been talking for ages about making a more
produced record,” Dave says. “Once we had some music together we thought it would be great if
Dionne and Deri got involved with it.”
It’s clear that these decisions have enabled them to expertly blend their creative impulses and ideas.
As far as reception goes, Dave admits, “I wasn’t sure what reaction we were going to get, but it’s been
fantastic.” Having launched the self-titled album in London, they have more live dates lined up across
England and even one in Prague, as well as a much-anticipated visit to Cardiff.
Admission: £7/£5 NUS. Info: 029 2023 9253 CHARLIE PIERCEY
pic: ELIOT HAZEL
CARA DILLON
St David’s Hall, Cardiff
Tue 4 Mar
This March, Irish folk singer Cara Dillon
will be bringing her enchanting set to
Cardiff. Said set has been delighting
audiences and winning awards across the
world in recent years and, if you’ve yet
to experience the magic of this uniquely
gifted performer, this definitely isn’t an
opportunity you want to miss.
Brought up in a keenly musical family
in Derry, Dillon became familiar with
the power of Irish folk music at a young
age. After winning the All Ireland
Traditional Singing Trophy aged 14,
she and her band Equation signed a
deal with Blanco Y Negro. The line up
included her accompanist, and later
husband, Sam Lakeman, whose unique
skill in arrangement and composition was
instrumental in developing the band as a
creative force in their own right. Today,
they alternate effortlessly and seamlessly
between original material and traditional
Irish folk songs, with Dillon’s hauntingly
beautiful Irish brogue purring heart and
soul into every line. Each performance
feels both deeply personal and wonderfully
carefree, as Dillon’s charm and easy-going
manner puts the audience at ease.
Whether you’re an avid fan of the genre or
simply looking for a thoroughly enjoyable
evening, Cara Dillon is one of those
transcendent talents capable of putting
on a show that will stir the soul of any
audience. Admission: £16.50/£15.50 adv.
Info: 029 2087 8444 (JS)
BUZZ 38
CHVRCHES
Solus, Cardiff University Students Union
Thurs 13 Mar
The previous 12 months could definitely
be considered a success for Chvrches.
Formed in 2011, the Glasgow trio quickly
gained attention on releasing their debut
EP in March ‘13. Slots at Reading and
Leeds festivals and a fifth place position
on the BBC’s Sound Of 2013 list ensured
that their album – H