Singer-Songwriter night at The Parrot Cafe, Carmarthen

By Gareth Cornfield

Last night, Wednesday 2nd April, I went to The Parrot Cafe in Carmarthen for an evening

with three singer-songwriters. The three were: Eleri Angharad; Jemma Krysa & Jodie

O’Callaghan.

They each performed a set of about 40 minutes to a very appreciative crowd in

the cosy atmosphere of The Parrot, King Street Carmarthen a venue I had not previously

been to.

The evening started with a set from Eleri Angharad. Eleri is from Swansea and started

playing guitar aged 13. Her songwriting started soon after. She studied Acting & Musical

Performance at Trinity Saint David in Carmarthen where she made connections with local

music venues. She is now based in Swansea & Dublin. Her training in Trinity shows through

in her confidence on stage. It is never easy being the first act on, especially when there is

no-one announcing so as to get the audience’s attention. That was not a problem for Eleri.

Her set was mostly self-penned songs dealing with love & loss. Her guitar playing was a light

accompaniment that  allowed the song room to breathe. Eleri definitely fits the

traditional profile of the singer songwriter. She is destined to go along way. I look forward to

following her as she develops.

Eleri Angharad photo from her facebook page

Next up was Jemma Krysa. Jemma is a different kettle of fish to Eleri. She is from the village

of Tairgwaith, near the Black Mountains. She wrote her first song aged 13 and, two years

later was entering talent competitions & music festivals. She was a finalist on the BBC Wales show ‘Just Up Your Street’ and at the age of 16, recorded vocals for a

children’s show, ‘The Nimbols’. The German cartoon was a success and Jemma’s title track, ‘Free Ride’ was number 1 in =Germany for three weeks.

She has supported Amy Wadge, Mal Pope, Kirsty McGee and others. She moved to Los

Angeles aged 18 and supported Delores O Reirdon of the Cranberries, playing gigs in

Hollywood, busking on Venice Beach & Santa Monica. She stayed for two years before

returning to Swansea and playing all over the country.

Jemma Krysa photo from her facebook page

Her set was notable for her fiery guitar playing as well as the impressive vocals & self-penned material. Her percussive attack using her thumb gave the bass notes

added resonance. Most players would use a thumb pick, but not Jemma. This was counterpointed by claw picking to give songs light & shade. Jemma has an

impressive vocal range and delivers a song beautifully. Jemma has an on-line website and her material is available for sale. She is also part of the band ‘The Ninja Reflex’.

The third artist of the evening was Jodie O’Callaghan. Jodie currently lives & works in

Carmarthen. Originally from Reading, she studied at Chichester University and The Central

School of Speech & Drama. Jodie had a different style again. Her voice is her main tool, not

to disparage her guitar playing, just to emphasise how good it is. She played songs of love &

loss with a bluesy-soul feel. Her range & delivery were very impressive, I could see her

fronting a jazz band and performing Ella & Etta songs without difficulty. Her on-stage

manner was a delight, holding the audience in her hand. Her confidence shone, as did her

smile, seemingly delighted & surprised at the rapturous reception she got.

Jodie O Callaghan photo from her facebook page

Jodie’s own songs were well written & displayed her talents admirably. For me though, the

song I best remember is her cover of Pulp’s ‘Common People’, her rendition allowing the

lyrics to be revealed and her delivery highlighting the humour in the song.

Jodie is definitely one to watch, as are Jemma & Eleri. These young women are set to make

real impacts if there is any justice in the music world. In a scene where individuality and

originality are often sadly lacking, they stand out as gems.

A terrific evening in a great venue. Very cosy, warm atmosphere.

Contact details:

The Parrot Cafe : https://www.facebook.com/theparrotmusicbar?ref=ts&fref=ts

Eleri Angharad: http://www.eleriangharadmusic.co.uk/ ,

https://www.facebook.com/eleri.woodbevan?fref=ts

Jemma Krysa: http://www.jemmakrysa.com/ ,

https://www.facebook.com/jemma.krysa.1?fref=ts

Jodie O’Callaghan: https://myspace.com/jodieocallaghan ,

https://www.facebook.com/jodie.ocallaghan.92