The Gig Cartel - Artist profiles: Rebecca Downes

Birmingham-based Rebecca and her band are a ‘must see’ live act that often leaves newcomers simply blown away by the power of the performance. With her co-writer Steve Birkett alongside her, a very tight band behind, and Rebecca’s powerful voice to the fore, the 5-piece outfit performs original tracks from the EP Real Life, the highly-acclaimed debut album Back To The Start and the superb second album Believe, punctuated by a few classic covers. The core of their music is the Blues, but they embrace elements of rock, soul, funk and jazz to deliver an exciting, passionate performance. Rebecca has also had three singles played on BBC radio 2, being a favourite of Paul Jones.

blHere’s what one reviewer thought of a recent gig: “Hey; you know that trick you can do with a fresh bottle of Cola and you drop a mint in and it explodes in a frothy fountain…. Well, take a really hot, tight R’n’B band forged from incredibly talented musicians and front it with Rebecca Downes and the effect is much the same – an explosion of Soul tinged Blues from the days when R’n’B rocked the world. In a genre that’s almost over run with pyrotechnic guitar slingers and rocking Blues shouters, Rebecca is doing things her way; taking the music back to its raw basics; touching the same vibe that Ike & Tina had when it was more about the music than the relationship. In perfect synchronicity with writing partner & band leader Steve Birkett, Rebecca’s take on the Blues is not to merely tell about what brings her down, but to almost celebrate that what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. There’s humour in there, and warmth, but don’t try and kick this girl when she’s down, she’ll bite through to the bone.” – Mike Craggs