Single Review - The Mess I Made - Kezia Gill ft Sarah Jory

 

Kezia Gill has spent around 17 years becoming an overnight success, and we boarded the Kezia bus around two years ago.  It is a joy to see that she is now enjoying the recognition that her talent so richly deserves, not just by winning awards (triple winner at the last Silverball Country awards) but with radio airplay on national station Radio 2 – and on mainstream shows as well as Bob Harris Country.

Kezia’s new releases now go to Whispering Bob for first play amongst the great and good of the Country Music world, but Kezia shows why she is probably UK Country’s favourite home girl by attracting a massive and loyal audience to her Friday night livestreams live from her lounge whilst wearing her fluffy slippers!

Kezia is promising us a new EP to be released in the Summer, and the first track from that EP is The Mess I Made.  For this new single Kezia is making the most of her powerful and Bluesy vocal and to support that Kezia turned once again to two times Silverball Country Musician of The Year Sarah Jory to provide the incredible guitar to back her voice.  Although best known for her pedal steel, Sarah is an amazing guitarist, putting raw power and passion into everything chord she plays, and her performance here is no different.

When you have a single combining the two most talented women in UK Country, you hit play with an assumption that you will be hearing something good.  Just a simple guitar strum warms you up before Kezia comes in with a soaring, wailing vocal which transports you to the deep South.

I shouldn’t have played the games I played

A story of not so much regret but acceptance of “The Mess I Made”.  A semi cautionary tale, reminding us that if you get it wrong you must face the consequences, but to be honest you are going to listen to this just wrapped up in Kezia’s powerful singing and Sarah’s slide – the two complementing each other completely.

Kezia can embrace a range of styles – from her Irish roots to pure Country, a little modern Nashville/Pop country – and her willingness to experiment and her variety not only set her apart as a talented writer and performer but has also allowed her to bring this Americana influenced song to us.

You will for sure raise a glass, and sing along with this, and perhaps reflect on any games you have played, and any mess you may have made.

 

Kezia has clearly kept busy during lockdown, not just with this new single and her weekly livestreams, but also some fabulous videos along with husband Lloyd and there is also a fascinating behind the scenes video of the journey involved in getting The Mess I Made out to the world.  As lockdown eases Kezia is booking live shows – probably most notable an appearance at Buckle and Boots Country festival as well as Craic by the Creek at the same venue.  A theatre show, and more intimate performances are also already on the calendar.

The Mess I Made, the new single from Kezia Gill is available to download and stream from Friday 16 April

You can try to keep up with Kezia (!) by following her on Facebook, Instagram, her website and on Spotify