In a world dominated by formulaic harmonies, predictable riffs and copy-and-paste lyrics, Lethbridge Owen draw from the creative spirit of great artists from Lindsay Buckingham to Jimi Hendrix, from Heart to Bonnie Raitt, producing songs of beauty, sincerity and emotional weight across a range of styles that defies pigeon-holing. The formidable songwriting and performing duo of Jimmy Owen (guitar-vocals) and Kelly Louise Lethbridge (vocals) unites Jimmy’s jaw-dropping instrumental virtuosity and harmonic flare with Kelly’s gorgeously soulful vocals, powerful stage presence and instinct for melodic line, backed by the inimitable rhythm section of Erik Stams (drums) and Noah Nelson (bass) plus guests. The on-stage chemistry that results is truly captivating. Lethbridge Owen are fast becoming known as one of the UK’s most respected up-and-coming original folk-rock acts, with some of London’s top instrumentalists knocking down the door to join their ranks. Media momentum around the forthcoming first album Mind Over Matter has built throughout 2018, with universally glowing pre-release press focusing on the album’s striking eclecticism underscored by flawless production values. The analogy with Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours is an apt one. Mind Over Matter is a journey through an ever-changing landscape of styles and sounds, from punching hook-laden Two Steps Forward through country classic Leaving Home to the ethereal Taking Over Me , kicked off by the instant earworm first single All We Have Is Hope with its soaring melodies and irresistible groove. Kelly and Jimmy’s writing process is collaborative and organic, with craftsmanship and intense attention to detail always their guiding principles. Guitar lovers will be drawn to Jimmy’s obsession with tone, achieved through a combination of virtuosic skill and dexterity with often-rare vintage gear such as ’70s echo plex and ’60s Marshall plexi, which together with the band s rich vocal harmonies gives Lethbridge Owen its distinctive big panoramic sound. In 2018-19 Jimmy’s solo career hit new heights, with his increasingly wide recognition as a uniquely gifted talent resulting in an invitation from bassist Chris Maresh of his longtime hero Eric Johnson, one of the world’s most revered guitarists, to record an album in Austin in spring 2019. Chris is actually featured on Mind Over Matter on the single Re-Inspire . Lethbridge Owen’s favourite artists and biggest influences include Fleetwood Mac, John Meyer, Heart, Lesley Duncan, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Trucks Tedeschi, James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Pink Floyd, First Aid Kit, Fairport Convention, Big Wreck and many more. Track listing: All We Have Is Hope; Back To The Blue; The Great Healer; Re-Inspire; Fight For You; Leaving Home; From Now On; If Only; Taking Over Me; Two Steps Forward; World’s Burned Over; All We Have Is Hope (Reprise)
