Chris Conway & Dan Britton - Just Be Real (2009)

After the tour de force that was Chris Conway's last album ('Earth Rising'), the American singer-songwriter now based in the UK teams up with old sparring partner, Dan Britton, for this new release. Conway and Britton have intermittently performed together in various bands and as a duo. 'Just Be Real' is their first album collaboration.

The bulk of the material was written by one or both of the pair and fans of either musician will find plenty to enjoy in the merging of American and Celtic musical styles. Both are strong singers, considerably talented songwriters and excellent musicians so it's hardly surprising that the self-penned material is of typically high quality.

There are a couple of traditional numbers, too (including a version of 'Matty Groves') and it's all done with tremendous style and verve. The music on 'Just Be Real' is as powerful, potent and harmonious as any you're likely to hear these coming months.

If you didn't catch the pair supporting Frances Black on a couple of recent tours, don't know Conway from his terrific back catalogue and multi-instrumental role in the Vikki Clayton Band, or missed Britton when he played with Jackie Leven and supported the likes of The Saw Doctors and Dick Gaughan, then start here!