steve Balsamo/the storys

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Hi All,

Andy Collins, formerly of The Storys, has announced that his new solo album entitled "Closure" will be released on 27th February 2012. (Although Amazon does give the release date of 6th March?)

Musicians:
---Musicians joining Andy on the album include fellow former Storys members Rob Thompson and Alan Thomas, along with Matthew John and Tim Hamill.

Tracks:
1. Believe
2. Find Your Own Way Back
3. All The Things You Dream Of
4. The Flow
5. You Say Nothing
6. Over Again
7. Two Horse Race
8. Something New
9. Story Town
10. Only One Right

Pre-order:
---Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co...24834881&sr=8-1
---Play.com http://www.play.com/...urlrefer=search

Hear some of the new tracks in February:
In the 3 weeks leading up to the release date Andy will be posting a new song from the album each week for us to hear (presume this will be on his Facebook or MySpace pages - see links below.) If the release date is actually 27th February as listed on Play.com, that would mean on the 6th, 13th and 20th February there will be a new track uploaded. But of course this is subject to change, so probably best to keep your eyes and ears peeled on Andy's Facebook and MySpace pages.

Facebook: http://www.facebook....andycollinsbass
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/andycollinsbass

Album Launch Gig:
---It has been announced that there will be an album launch gig on Wednesday, 4th April 2012 at The Bedford in Balham http://www.thebedford.co.uk Additional details to be announced.

Kind regards,
NeeCee
© steve balsamo fanforum

THE STORYS. June 18 th 2010 . The Arts Wing, Grand Theatre , Swansea.

Hello one and all.
. I thought my Review notes that I’d done at the 2 farewell Gigs were forever lost , never to be seen again. I asked for a Miracle and I finally got one. They went on their travels to Ireland and back. So a big thank you to Roseeta , the Castle Housekeeper who alerted me and reunited me with them recently. To finish what I’d started is quite tricky. As time has now moved on, casting my mind back and getting to that place where you can relive it and be there once more takes a lot of concentration. I really wanted to do the best I could for the guys & gal they are so definitely worth it. I feel it’s a little something I can give back , albeit in just a few words, or two or maybe more? . Do I do just one review for both nights? Combine everything together, so it reads as one? No i can’t do that. Not for those people who went to one and not the other, and for those who hadn’t had the opportunity of been at either, the gigs were quite different . **************************************************************************************
The Grand Theatre is over 100 yrs old and thank goodness it was saved from closure in the 1960’s, as it is now home to the Swansea Ballet, Dance and Opera societies. The addition of the Arts Wing hosts Art exhibitions, and small drama performances on the purpose built staging area.
The simplicity of this facility inside where we were seated, with flip back seats and a few front rows of free standing chairs , just made the array of multiple musical instruments all lined up in a row seem more dramatic. The plain black back drop screen that had random fairy lights twinkling like a newborn galaxy, and the vivid splashes of colour bouncing off the guitars made them all seem like holy relics, mounted on their own stands, only to be viewed from afar…..then your eyes are drawn in and you begin to recognise Rob’s instruments, then Andy’s . Of course Al’s were strewn further back , what an array of strings, percussion and a few suspect ones that only he knows the names of? Then you see the rest and realise of course there is a lot more than usual, 15 guitars counted and Rosalie’s mandolin . They projected the promise of a musical bonanza.


Now we have a lot more expectation knowing that Dai is definitely in our midst. Suddenly they are there, trooping out like a well rehearsed chorus line. To the woops and cheers , suddenly the bitter sweet feeling of this moment has come. My heart misses a beat and in a gulp of air they grab their instruments, smile knowingly at each other, expediate their tuning by the time our eyes have adjusted to the softer lighting.
They all look raring to go , Barefoot Dai with his sunglasses on looks around and his infectious smile soothes the furrowed brows of a few apprehensive onlookers. Steve, thank goodness yes he’s there. Of course there was no doubt he would be there. He said a few words to say how he and the band" hoped that this night would be a lasting memory for everybody, and it was a special treat for them to play it all for us” , The old favourites right from the beginning and also the new stuff.. The Alpha and Omega.
Dai immediately went into the Lead Vocals, and Rosalie did the accompanied Harmony. Rob then stepped up to the familiar strains of I BELIEVE IN LOVE. “ You can rise above these soul cages”…the words suddenly had more meaning than they ever had before . Where ever there was a clearer example of those words uttered and understood before, I felt we were suddenly being transported to a place where every word had a sharper and poignant meaning. Steve does bring the elements together that makes each and every song unique to them . Yet it was still the Storys, all of them.
"Sometimes it's harder to come back Than to leave"[……..Suddenly words I’ve heard umpteen times before are jumping out, and been stored as a ‘keepsake’, to hold them close for sentimental reasons later down the line. Rob & Dai have very nice harmonies ….. I’m not certain “IT’S ALL WE REALLY NEED”? Steve is standing away from the Mic , and seems to be sending silent signals of encouragement and is likely mentally humming along as we all were. Straight into ‘DAYLIGHT CALLS(Troubador)’. Andy C on Lead Vocals, Then Rob steps up for the second verse with Rosalie’s Harmony the third Vocal, a nice blend that is carried through with a fab solo guitar section from Rob. Dai, is doing his thing and his animated sway is expressive of how chilled they are up there. Musically, the best I’ve heard it played to date.

‘PLEASE COME HOME’ proved to be a little gem. Rosalie showed a sincerity and deeper expression that shows how the singer and song have matured and now has it’s place in the ‘top half’ not the’ bottom half’ of the Story’s collection.”Nothing’s worth hiding from” “ It’s who you Love not who you betray”! Poignant and well composed words, with special meaning for some. Suddenly a much deeper and more powerful drum beat fell upon us , and we were engulfed by yet another much richer offering of ‘BE BY YOUR SIDE’. Brian’s drumming took us to new heights. This is a classic Storys harmonising track, I’ve heard them perform on numerous occasions, which has magical Qualities as it opens up, so yes I did miss Steve’s additional vocals. Yet it was still very well put together, considering at this point I expected him to at least be mouthing the words. The man has the Will Power of Herakles, to resist the urge to do what is so instinctive . There was almost a quiet professional submission from him. Rob T took the lead vocal ,then a natural blend with Dai, gelled the vocals. It was very smooth. Andy kept one eye on the proceedings, roaming and scrutinising his surroundings as Dai was inclined to be dipping and coasting with his guitar. This seemed to lighten the mood at that moment, even if the song does have a dark undertone.
“Weak as I am, I can't release you”……..HIGH ENOUGH *, was one of the highlights, if I had to admit to any. Dai gave a superb performance. The intensity and sheer effort on his face told you , he was putting heart and soul into every word and gesture. I was truly transfixed. Probably the best I’ve ever heard him sing. Nothing existed outside the perimeter of his vocal performance for those 3 minutes or so. From the start when Dai humbly acknowledged that there was no Storys without Steve, for me he was offering this moment up to Steve as a gift of thanks . he put everything into it and was clearly moved as the song climaxed and he withdrew from the cocoon of his emotions and brought us back with him. The biggest cheer and applause went up, as he ended. I was spell bound, and will for ever think of that night whenever I hear the song. He waved and knew he’d sung his socks off, I think Steve and the others will be very satisfied and wowed as much as we were.

TOWN BEYOND THE TREES. . “I will hold you, when you reach the other side. I adore you 'cos love will never die.!” How difficult it is to choose just one line that tells you everything about a song , like this is. The incredible and unique componants that make this truly an incredible song that so many have not had the pleasure of hearing . The Storys are ‘TOWN BEYOND THE TREES’. Their signature tune some would say? It is Steve at his best, and nobody will or even dare argue that he sings it as no other can or will here after !!. Many may have accepted that there would be no ‘Town’ sung that night.
So here it is. I bet that caught a few people out, and surprised many to hear the emotive, slow base chord , that give the game away. So who’s going to be? With all eyes caught and breathes shallow with anticipation, Rosalie takes it on and delivers a feather soft, and whispy version, that is so sincere , it comes across as a symbolic offering to Steve as another thankyou gift. Rosalie shows some apprehension, but keeps it together. The relief on her face at the end is very clear to see. Maybe she considered she had tread on ‘Holy Ground’, gone further that she ever had expected?. Taken on ‘Steve’s song,’? yet it is about the whole band. She has accomplished something maybe many thought was unthinkable. It was re-arrangeed to suit her vocal range and with eyes closed throughout most of the song, the build –up came as Dai stepped up, and cranked it up. The eclectic mix of acoustic and electric guitars have always made this track unique and distinctive. The haunting , evocative vocals that Steve gives is set apart, yet Rosalie did it her way, an encouraging hug from Steve showed his thanks at the end of the song.

Dai gives a heartfelt and emotional introduction to JOURNEY’S END’. He says,” whatever happens in life , and from this moment on, it’s good to be back. Sharing this special time, completing a circle. From the beginning to the end" Nobody wants to think about the sudden rush of melancholy sliding under the door. " Save me from the colder season, tell me there's a deeper reason , lead me to the journey's end.” Totally poetic, by now there are mixed emotions flying around and for some maybe it’s a bitter sweet moment that they’ve been holding back. For many, the steady drip of accepting this is the end, now becomes a steady stream and then a torrent of emotions. Rob takes the lead vocals, Rosalie comes in , joined by Dai. Rob leads into, …..”On and on and on and I say,….. On and on and on and I say, Lead me to the journey's end.” The whole place comes together naturally, Picks it up and is singing “On and on and on and I say”. It is like whipping up loose pebbles on a shore , the wave dragging them out , then rolling back in on the Crest together as one rock. More and more voices are drawn in and a unison of cheers , a happy chorus of earbashing noises erupts . The smiles that light up on Steve and Andy’s face, has a ripple effect like a Mexican wave through out the theatre. It felt like the end had come, yet there was still the promise of other songs to come. Dai nearly takes off, when he can give no more vocally, he jumps up and whips up any energy he was holding in reserve for the finale.
Dai catches his breath back. There is some light hearted reminiscing , he shares some of the trials & tribulations, the sweat & tears, and many plates of Laurence’s ‘Egg & Chips it took to produce and complete the second Album, ‘Town Beyond the Trees’ at Glencorrwg.
TAKING MY HEART AWAY’. Steve has more participation suddenly. The clap sequence, and the shaker accompaniement brings him back into focus. An extra rousing cheer from the audience for his efforts, give an obvious boost.
Andy introduces ‘YOU COULDN’T MAKE IT UP’. The remixed intro, is a surprise. Rob And Rosalie share vocals. Brian is swaying as he picks up the beat and the pace. A nice arrangement that suits the vocal range. Very nice keyboard piece from Al. Andy and Dai come in with BV’s.
‘ALONE’ “ I want to find true love, I want to feel true love.” Another remix for the different vocals. Steve shows how much he is enjoying this one, he’s savouring the moment through closed eyes. Rob shows some awesome guitar work. His Solo piece is loud and ‘Rockin’. The crowd is lifted and begin to cheer, a premature applause expressed how much it was enjoyed.
Rosalie leads “LONG HARD ROAD”. The electric and acoustic guitar mix is a toe tapping track. Andy is doing his animated “chicken shuffle” which is infectious as I look around . Very amusing to see others follow. Dai jumps around with his usual zeal and enthusiasm.
*ROLL LIKE A STONE “ You will roll like a stone baby, all the way home when you're done, as you search for the answers you'll find they were there all along”. This is a personal favourite of mine, since the first moment I heard it eons ago. There is a wonderful marriage of the superb harmonies that weave in between, without overpowering the lightness and melodic trill of Al’s Mandolin. Al never disappoints, it’s a beautiful sound and works so well , nicely done Al.
Rosalie speaks and shares how she became part of the band. A premeditated manoeuvre with an ‘Apple Crumble’ and the rest is History as they say !!

TROUBLE DEEP. Rosalie and Rob share vocals. A soft approach, with a laid back tone. Rob’s guitar echo is the trademark of this piece. Steve’s whistle of appreciation & claps rubbed off .

Andy led into YOU’RE NOT AROUND. Another nice keyboard piece from Al. Rosalie sat and Steve looked chilled as he watched Andy’s vocal solo . It felt like a shared emotional ending to this song for everyone.
THE KING OF BROKEN DREAMS. Dai introduced Al’s Banjo. Rob & Dais vocals are a gentle blend that was accompanied by Steve’s harmonica.
SO LONG. You could hear , but not see that it was Brian who was belting it out. Accompanied by his vigorous drumming, it was a surprise. What a gutsy performance he gave.
Steve takes this up and lifts it beyond others capabilities with the vocal twists and turns and I would consider this vocally challenging for any other not of Steve’s calibre. Yet Brian keeps it pacy and it is a good attempt. Toes were tapping, and his excellent drumming is a constant reminder that he gives his all in every track
. It is a team performance, vocally and then Rob does his solo piece. What Rob can’t do with that guitar doesn’t bear thinking about.. always he delivers and wows us. Port Talbot (Margam)’09 can never be surpassed, it was truly incredible, but this is up there as a wonderful example and showcases Rob's versatility

Andy expresses his and the band’s thanks for the fans support, sharing the journey. He says "it means a lot." The distinctive opening bars of EVANGELINA immediately radiates a party atmosphere that gets the crowd clapping and stomping their approval. Rosalie and Dai instinctively giggle at some thing that we all miss,?? A sense of relief maybe…? The camaraderie is clear to see . It’s an up beat and joyful track that raises the roof, and the crowd demands more. The guys throw themselves into more of the same and are clearly savouring these lasting moments.
"It's been seven days and Evangelina's Trying to keep her faith,She's been holding onto what's good inside her,Frightened that she might change, She works so hard, she works so hard"

As it all subsides, Dai , accompanied by Al’s Wonderful keyboard , sings GOD TAKE CARE OF THE ONE I LOVE. The soft sweet lyrics, dilute the adrenaline that has built up. Slowly as the song closes, the others come back on stage .

There is that moment, that feeling that has been coming for months…this is it. How does everybody feel for that split second of despondency? It is here now ! yet the warmth exudes from every corner, as CINNAMON is wafting over . “Cinnamon lets her hair down long, and it's tangled in a thousand knots and she's holding me in, in so many ways” . Andy kicks off , and asks the Fans to join in. Dai and Rosalie whip up the energy , the crowd is singing, clapping and stamping feet . It is a thunderous ending and a rapturous climax to satisfy anybody’s apprehension .

Could it be considered a success without Steve’s amazing vocals that we have come to love and appreciate? I have to say, yes I did miss him. He delivers and puts his stamp on everything. He was there , and that was as much as we could expect under the circumstances. Dai was amazing , he gave everything he had. He will always be part of THE STORYS, whatever happens in the future. He has left a piece of his heart in every song that was composed .
Thank you to the band for giving a memorable performance. I think Steve will agree , they did him proud.


Bridget Pestell
Sept 2010