Barry Charles is an Australian blues/soul singer with a unique scat style of singing.
Back in 2018 I reviewed Barry’s then latest release – “On The Edge”. In that review I wrote, “Where extreme vocals are just the beginning”.
This album, “In The Moment”, is stylistically nothing like the album “On The Edge”. However, what is consistent with album is Barry’s “extreme” style of vocals, which still shine through.
In effect Barry’s involvement with music goes back into the 1960’s. Subsequently, it was his association with the group, “Winchester” where he really came to notice.
Accordingly in the early 1970’s, he really started showcasing his vocal prowess at the now legendary Station Hotel in Melbourne.
As a result, over the decades Barry continued to wow audiences with his unique and skilled style of vocal delivery.
Further, with ten original albums and decades of live experience, he remains a beloved figure in the Queensland music scene. Yet his performances are remembered up and down the entire East coast of Australia.
Continuing to evolve his music, Barry has formed an amazing duo with Paul Camilleri. NO! Paul is not related to the well known Joe Camilleri.
Together they form The Charles-Camilleri Connection.
Paul Camilleri has spent over 30 years entertaining audiences across Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia. With masterful guitar work and infectious stage presence, Paul’s collaborations have been many.
These included artists such as ARIA-winner Sarah Blasko. His festival appearances include the Bay of Islands Blues & Jazz Festival (NZ) and Gympie Music Muster.
In addition, whether commanding festival main stages or captivating intimate audiences, the Charles-Camilleri Connection promises dynamic sets.
Most importantly they are filled with grit, grace, and groove they draw the audiences into their musical journeys.
Without doubt you can expect blistering guitar solos, rich harmonies, and a deep musical rapport that delivers every time.
Before listening and talking about the music, I must make mention of the Charles-Camilleri Connection album presentation.
Barry and Paul reject the format of CD’s or even with its revival, vinyl. There is no streaming! Instead they have their album presented uniquely on a USB stick.
Ah, this is no ordinary USB stick! This album is presented in a beautifully finished wooden box. Sliding back the lid reveals the USB stick stunningly enveloped in an equally beautiful wood guitar form.
To top it off there is a guitar plectrum inscribed with, ”Charles-Camilleri”.
This has raised the bar pretty damn high in the method of album presentation.
Then there is the music and these boys will take you on a journey!
The album is filled with classic Barry Charles strumming style along with his use of “vocalization”, sometimes called non-lexical vocals.
I have picked out a selection of tracks from the 9 tracks that are presented on this extended play album.
I just have to start with Track 1. – Free Flight
This is a very happy piece it sounds as though they are really having fun! In fact it’s a piece by both Barry and Paul and resulted from their many jam sessions.
As we listen we realise that there is some very clever blending of guitars. Barry’s easy to listen to style of strumming is complimented by clever and beautifully laid out lead lines from Paul.
There are no vocals asuch but there is some excellent vocalization come scat singing from Barry.
[Sample of the track – Free Flight]
Northern Shores brings us to the second track. To my ears, it’s diametrically the opposite in many ways to track 1.
This is a moody, almost introspective seven minute piece that features Barry’s rich tonality.
Written by Barry it’s very much a recollection of his time on the Sunshine Coast.
It commences with what appears to be subtle but scene setting gentle surf washing ashore – the Northern Shore no doubt.
Guitar will always be part of the Charles-Camilleri sound, and in this track the emotive strumming by Barry is cut through by some very soulful lead licks from Paul.
[Sample of the track Northern Shores]
Our Love Song, track 3, is anything but a maudlin love song. Another Barry Charles composition, he dedicates it to his wife and long-time partner, Diana. It really is a musical statement about their endearing relationship.
It’s a bouncy happy paced piece that is up around 150 beats per minute. Accordingly it means for us it’s a real toe tapper.
Another key point is the wonderful blending of acoustic and electric guitars, completed by Barry’s unique vocal style.
[Sample of the track – Our Love Song]
I had to pause and listen to track 6 several times. Magnolia is a beautiful ballad by JJ Cale,
It is a poignant, bluesy ballad about deep longing for a cherished, gentle Southern lover, the singer left behind.
To this end the song captures a beautiful, melancholy nostalgia for a simpler, purer love.
Barry sings it with immense passion and his passion is supplemented by some equally emotional electric guitar from Paul. Dare I say it? I love this version every bit as much as the original.
[Sample of the track – Magnolia]
The album finishes of with a great raunchy Rockin’ Blues called, Walkin’ Blues.
Written and recorded by the greatest delta-blues guitarist ever, Robert Johnson, this is a reimagined version .Just be aware, this version does NOT walk!
Together with some classic blues harp from Barry is the raunchy and punchy distorted electric guitar played by Paul.
The Ventures recorded a track back in the early 1960’s called Walk Don’t Run. “Walkin’ Blues” doesn’t run, it tears along and I love it!
[Sample of the track – Walkin’ Blues]
So it’s not an album that would generally rate interest from commercial radio. But then again we know about the quality of music selection on commercial radio!
Undeniably this album has a great selection of tracks and styles that we would just love to hear live, especially at a festival.
In essence we can sit back and enjoy it in our own environment. The Charles-Camilleri Connection takes you on a journey of rich tonality. In The Moment is an album blended with excitement, wonderful harmonies, exciting guitar from Paul Camilleri and, the voice of Barry Charles.
Finally we come to how you can purchase the music and the uique manner in wich it is presented.
First of all, the package -yes the beautifully polished box with guitar shaped USB stick 9and plectrum) is only $25.00 and that includes postage.
It can be purchased through the Facebook account of the Charles-Camilleri Connection. On their page you can Message them and full details will be provided to you.
Video
Credits
All audio and video tracks recorded at Ragtag Studios in Black Mountain
Recorded and videoed by Michael McCartin
Mastered by Jeff McCormack
Album Cover by –Bec Millard
Other photographs – Barry Charles
Album Graphics – Dianna Dummett
Special mention to Greg Tuck and the Team from BDJ Sessions who gave us our first video session as a duo.
Thanks to everyone who comes to watch us at our favourite venues.
Especially to:
Apollonian – Lou, Neil and the crew
Pamona Pub – Marj and all the locals
SkyFarm – Paul Power and the tribe
Mary River Festival –Tony and Vanessa
Majestic Theatre – Alison, Rick and crew
