Becky :- Vocals, acoustic rhythm/lead guitar.
Jo-Ann :- Vocals, bass guitar.
Brian :- Rhythm/lead guitar, percussion, Jaws Harp & a little bit of banjo
Influences
Crystal Gayle, Celine Dion, Bonnie Raitt, Emmy Lou Harris, Suzy Bogguss, Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, J.J.Cale, Ry Cooder, Steve Earle, John Hiatt, Tom Petty, Folk, Country, Blues, Rock, Trad Jazz, Americana, Acoustic, etc etc.....
Sounds Like
ALBUM REVIEWS FROM
www.maverick-country.com
Country/Roots Magazine April 2009 by Jim Soars
The Haley Sisters
-Album- VICISSITUDE
-Label- Comet records
Yet another superb release from two of the most underated country roots singer songwriters in the UK
Those of us that attended the inaugural Maverick Festival in 2008 will never forget the stunning performances by Jo-Ann and Becky - the Haley Sisters.
I watched grown men in tears after listening to their angelic harmonies delivering some of the most emotive and heart warming renditions of both covers and their own original material.
The Haley Sisters sure rank as two of the most underrated singers and songwriters in the UK country
and roots scene today.
This newly released EP of six tracks, two of which are original compositions by Becky and Brian Smith
show just how exceptional the two sisters are in delivering a song and also that they are no slouches when it
comes to writing a good lyric.
The EP opens with their version of the Bob Marley penned "Three Little Birds".
Their acoustic version of the classic cut is outstanding as is their version of the Dylan song "Don't Think Twice".
"You Keep Me Hanging On" by the great JJ Cale also gets the Haley Sisters treatment and what a treat it is.
Brian Smith is a superb guitarist and is the perfect accompaniment to Becky and Jo-Ann; his slide work on this track is stunning.
Bill Staines is a great songwriter and the sisters' vocal on his song "Roseville Fair" is a joy to the ear.
Brian gets his chance to shine on the instrumental title track "Vicissitude";
his acoustic lead over the two rhythm guitars is exceptional, guitar mastery of the highest order.
Final track "We're Together", written by Becky and Brian says it all, superb playing, singing and song writing all combining on this emotional heartfelt ballad.
The Haleys will once again be playing at the Maverick Festival this year and I for one will be on the front
row - NOT TO BE MISSED!
- Album - No Boundaries
- Label - Comet Records
The very best from the UK country music scene deliver the finest album yet of their 15 year career
The Haley Sisters are the great undiscovered natural talent of the UK music scene. They are popular on the moribund British country club circuit where the majority of punters appear to lack any genuine musical taste and seem quite oblivious to these two Yorkshire girls superb vocal talent. Trying to break out of that scene into the more serious listening venues is no easy task, but Jo-Ann and Becky just might make the transition with this quite extraordinary album. In previous albums theyve felt the need to cater for the somewhat myopic line-dance brigade. With NO BOUNDARIES they appear to have stuck two fingers defiantly in the air to their wishes of certain beats-to-the-inch and made a stripped-down acoustic-based album in which the song lyrics are paramount and the vocals are out-front where they should be.
Most of the songs are well-known, but the renditions are as fresh as a cold mountain stream in a heatwave.
They open on a strong note with the Carter Familys Hello Stranger. The vocal give-and-take is magical. Spare backup. Nice slide guitar work that echoes their heartfelt phrases with a pure country delivery. So pure its almost unbelievable. Theres also a fine version of Townes Van Zandts timeless Pancho & Lefty, which owes nothing to the many earlier renditions. A stunning version of Ketty Lesters Love Letters caught me completely left-footed. A highly refreshing and innocently delivered vocal by Becky with much lyrical meaning. Another, at first odd choice, is Randy Newmans Guilty. A strong vocal with a bluesy undertone and stunning guitar work from Beckys husband Brian Smith, this is a worldclass performance. Then theres a lighter interlude with Tom Pettys Thing About You, a highly sensual treatment that is quite irresistible. Ill Be Your San Antone Rose, a country hit for Dottsy exactly 30 years ago, is given a much needed contemporary workout. Jo-Ann takes the lead, their harmonies sent chills through me and some spooky guitar effects by Brian adds much to the fine arrangement. Brian also offers Kirstys Song, which in fact is an instrumental and is mighty good. As is the whole of this quite incredible album that sits up there with finest works of the likes of Emmylou, Suzy Bogguss and Trisha Yearwood. Seek out and enjoy. You'll not be disappointed.
please let us know what you think about our music....thanks.
All About Us
Jo-Ann and Becky, THE HALEY SISTERS, were born and raised in West Yorkshire, in the village of Harden just outside of Bingley.
From a very early age they followed in their parents footsteps showing a strong interest in music, especially Country Music.
The Haley Sisters first appeared professionally back in 1989, when they launched themselves into a successful singing career. Since then they have appeared at leading venues, festivals, theatres and clubs throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe, gaining massive popularity by virtue of their natural talent, dedication and down to earth personalities.
Here are just some of the many awards and accolades they have already received:-
1990 Most Promising New Act - British Country Music Association.
1992 Top British Duo - British Country Music Association.
1993 Top British Duo - British Country Music Awards.
1993 Top British / Irish Duo or Band - Country Music People Awards.
1993 British / Irish Rising Stars - Country Music People Awards.
1994 Most Popular Group Country Music Round Up
1995 Top Female Vocalist (Becky) - North Country Music Magazine
1996 Best Duo/Band - Great British Country Music Awards
1997 Best Band Country Music Round Up
1998 Best Trio North Country Music Magazine
1999 Best Band British Country Music Awards
2000 Best Band British Country Music Association
2005 Album of The Year (To Be With You Tonight) - UK Radio Awards
2005 Song of The Year (Somewhere Along The Road) - UK Radio Awards
In June 1993 guitarist Brian Smith joined them, having previously worked in nashville, Tennessee, on Crystal Gayles Three Good Reasons album.
Jo-Ann, Becky and Brian are still performing as a trio today.
In 1997 the Haley Sisters created their own independent record label :-
Comet Records
They released the album titled To Be With You Tonight which features 10 original songs written straight from the heart. Not only talented as singers and musicians, this album shows their flair to write, produce and record their own brand of music.
The Latest EP "Vicissitude" OUT NOW!
Featuring 6 tracks:
1, Three Little Birds (Bob Marley)
2, Don't Think Twice (Bob Dylan)
3, You Keep Me Hanging On (J.J Cale
4, Roseville Fair (Bill Staines)
5, Vicissitude (B.Smith)
6, We're Together (B.Smth/R.Smith)
The Album "No Boundaries" out now! Features 11 tracks :-
1, Hello Stranger (A.P. Carter)
2, Love Letters (E.Heyman. Young)
3, Pancho & Lefty (Townes Van Zandt)
4, Guilty (Randy Newman)
5, Thing About You (Tom Petty)
6, I'll Be Your San Antone Rose (Susanna Clark)
7, To Know Him Is To Love Him (Phil Spector)
8, Kirstys Song (Instrumental)(B.Smith)
9, One More For The Road (Suzy Bogguss. Doug Crider. Chet Atkins)
10, Peace In The Valley (Dorsey)
11, The Sweetest Gift (Live)(J.B.Coat)
You can find all details & albums on our official website (www.cometrecords.net)
The Haleys are still recognised as one of the leading acts in their profession and continue to entertain and perform their music to audiences far and wide.
Real entertainment commentary with urban flare! The Protege Podcast http://protegepodcast.podOmatic.com RSS Feed http://protegepodcast.podOmatic.com/rss2.xml
Christmas is coming soon. Are you looking for a Christmas present and would like to help handicapped children? Than please request the list of donations in kind from HelpCharity, www.MySpace.com/HelpCharity , by sending me an e-mail at Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de . Many donations in kind are autographed.
If you don't have the chance to request the list of donations in kind, please add HelpCharity to your Top Friends!
Thanks for helping me to support handicapped children!
Christian
Founder of HelpCharity Editor & Journalist for Country Music Christian Lamitschka An der Pfingstweide 28 61118 Bad Vilbel Germany Phone: ++49 (0) 6101 544613 Mobil: ++49 (0) 171 6903352 E-Mail: Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de Internet: www.MySpace.com/HelpCharity Internet: www.MySpace.com/ChristianLamitschka
Thanx Bunches for the Friendship. Please sign up to be a Fan to help keep the Netty Mac Train Chuggin'. This site is amazing! THIS SITE IS A MUSICIANS BEST FRIEND! It is rated by # page visits, # songs played, # of new fans - the higher the ranking the higher the odds of the Music Industry Execs will notice you. Cheerz & have a HUGE day!!
Ruby Jane Article in New York Times!! http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/26/who-do-these-guys-think-they-are/ AND Check out the new pictures and video! Let me know what you think! Ruby Jane
There is nothing on this planet that beats "genetic harmony singing"---the Carters had it-- The Stanley Bothers, Everly Brothers--- and the Haley Sisters!! Thanks for the add and look for more music from me that will continue to be different--you guys are great!!
Today I like to inform you, that you can read and watch interviews with your favorit country stars in Enlgish, German and French at http://www.CountryHome.de/Interviews .
Warm regards
Christian
Editor & Journalist for Country Music Christian Lamitschka An der Pfingstweide 28 61118 Bad Vilbel Germany Phone: ++49 6101 544613 Mobil: ++49 171 6903352 Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de Info@CountryMusic-Magazin.de www.MySpace.com/ChristianLamitschka
Alan Cackett sitting in for Steve Cherelle on Roger Day's BBC Radio Kent Show on 19 Aug played 'Roseville Fair'. Alan didn't have a clue what Vicissitude meant- Take him a dictionary to Maidstone guys!
Hi! It's time to make history. Please, visit our web and vote to choose the best Garth Brooks #1. The best tune will be our 2009 International Country Music Day Song. Thank you!
