60's influenced pop female duo The Debutantes have recently released their cover of the Amen Corner classic ‘If Paradise Is Half As Nice’ featuring original band member Andy Fairweather Low. Both of the girls, Victoria and Lavinia, have been hugely inspired by the 1960’s fashions, style and culture.
Their debut album is the creation of musician/songwriter Alan Jones. Alan has enjoyed a long career in both music and fashion, having had success as an original member/sax player with 1960’s Welsh chart toppers Amen Corner, followed by a chain of pioneering rock fashion shops, both in the UK and Los Angeles. All of these experiences have led to Alan creating, writing and recording an album of sixties influenced songs which he describes as ‘Symphonic Pop’, performed by these two talented sisters from Cardiff, Victoria and Lavinia George-Veale, collectively known as The Debutantes.
Born in Cardiff into a Welsh musical family, the sisters’ home was filled with the Motown/Phil Spector sound of the 60's, by artists such as The Supremes, The Ronettes, The Crystals and Dusty Springfield. Since those early days the sisters have always loved singing, dancing and performing together. Their love of music has stayed with them into adulthood, with Victoria starring in musical theatre, and Lavinia in her final year at The London School of Music and Drama. So, when the sisters heard of a new musical project with a strong ‘60's influence, they were very interested.
They were introduced to Alan in a Cardiff coffee shop, and before long he was hearing them sing acappella in their own front room. The idea of bringing back the swinging sixties with a fresh twist was so appealing to the girls, they immediately began working on an album of fourteen tracks with Alan. All the tracks on the album were engineered by Richard Jackson, and feature Victoria and Lavinia’s stunning blend of vocals combined with John Rea’s lush orchestration.
Marty's review: these very talented ladies have nailed the sound of the 60's on their debut single and have certainly captured the vibe and style of the era. Being produced by Alan Jones with guest appearance by Andy Fairweather Low is an added bonus. They have recreated the original Amen Corner song with a fresh approach, and the delightful vocals of these sisters is such a pleasure to hear. The accompanying video is colourful and very psychedelic too.