The Welsh nation have famously had a reputation for their vocal prowess. Hailing from Wales, but now based in Bedford, autumn sees the release of young chanteuse Cherry Lee Mewis' new album entitled "Southbound train". Earlier in the year it seemed as though her next release was to be a springtime EP. That elapsed and summer quickly passed. The eventual arrival of a fourteen track album has certainly been well worth the wait. The outer packaging is both colourful and informative. Artwork and photography are extrememly impressive.

Anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting Cherry will know that she is a very confident young lady. Twenty-something, but with a musical appetite far exceeding her tender years. With main support in both the music and song writing department coming from local music specialist and guru Max Milligan, you know there is going to be top class quality. His guitar skills are exquisite. Her persuasive skills must be very strong as the impressive array of musicians, both on this album and in her live band line-up, are tremendously strong. The range of instruments used just enhance the overall enjoyment. So what of the album? Well, the distance is forty two minutes and thirty one seconds and the ticket costs just ten pounds! tHis is my account of my journey on board the "Southbound train".

1. All you need (2.48)
With a cute, but slightly unsettling scream at the very beginning, Cherry's sure got the feel of this Koko Taylor classic.

2. Shake that thing (2.15)
The jazzy guitar work is the potent part to complement the sultry vocals on this earthy cover.

3. Midnight in Memphis (3.30)
A personal favourite. Cherry always seems to put a local stamp on it when she performs this live. However, the sound of the dreamy blues harp almost steals the show here.

4. Oh lord send me an angel down (2.24)
A Blind Willie McTell cover totally enhanced by the sound of the dobro. It dominates throughout on this blues washed song.

5. Travellin light (3.07)
It conjures up a jazz club nearing midnight. Thoughts made all the more real by Cherry's soft and mood driven vocals. With tears developing, the torn melodies make perfect sense.

6. It means nothing to me (3.06)
One of her part-written songs sits neatly in the pack. It has film noir written all over it as it tells of relationship heartache.

7. Lets go back to the beginning (3.19)
A Cherry-Max composition. As with the last song, its grip is held by the atmospheric double bass sounds.

8. Kissing in the dark (2.27)
Memphis Minnie's uplifting blues tune is a perfect foot-tapper. As Cherry tells us "Kissing in the dark, Honey thats my birthmark", in fact, "I told you so!".

9. Time limits (3.03)
A 'countrified folkscape' that is never reliant on sentimentality or spite. Lively beats aplenty.

10. Southbound train (2.50)
For me, the album's brilliant cornerstone. We have firmly been told "Gotta keep movin, movin"! Cherry's darn fine vocals are backed up by such classy guitar work courtesy of Max, including a 3 string skip.

11. Dancing like diamonds (4.55)
The pace and the tempo are slowed right down in this beautiful love song.

12. Western star (2.36)
Its time for some "Hillbilly boogie" as "We're rockin' in the Western star", "Oh yeah"!

13. Tried everything (2.29)
A lonesome homespun tale of unrequited love. A foxy Cherry sings of "You're still living with you wife and baby when you should be living with me"!

14. Something you can't have (3.32) (bonus track)
With just a basic acoustic guitar and vocals, this Cherry-Max finale is a country tinged love song.

There you have it. I have reached my destination. I'm sure I will have many more happy and relaxing journeys aboard the "Southbound train".

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