Discover the musical talents and delights of ‘Open Water’ a Deal folk band, whose newly released second album is a fitting tribute to the beauty, history and charm of Kent.
‘Above the Waterline’, released on August 9, 2023, is a celebration of Deal, and reflects the band’s love of the area, from the town’s calming waves to historic architecture and fascinating folklore.
Open Water is a fresh-sounding, acoustic act made up of lead vocalist Joanne Doolan and guitarists Jeff Alexander and Richard Rozze. Jeff and Richard originally met 27 years ago as Jeff was Richard’s first guitar teacher. Richard and Joanne are partners and have two children.
The band began writing the material for their second album in March 2020.
‘It helped us through those tricky times [national lockdowns] as rather than dwelling on the uncertainty of the situation, we were inspired to write hopeful, uplifting, and often ‘spiritual’ music that would unite all,’ the members of Open Water say.
Derek Nash, an award-winning UK jazz musician, record producer, composer and full-time member of the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, helped co-produce the album. It’s just one of the ways the band is giving back to the area that means so much to them.
'We’ve been greatly inspired by Deal’s beautiful coastline. There’s a song on the album, ‘Lone Tree Hill’ that was inspired by a gruesome tale of a soldier posted at Dover Castle. Another song ‘The Tinker’ was influenced by Richard’s grandad who made doll house furniture,' they comment.
'Other songs, ‘I Trust the Road and ‘Rainbows End’ embrace the human journey, letting go of the ego and following the simple path. ‘Winter Bridge’ is the heartbreaking story of a pregnant lady left at the altar and ‘Mabinogion’ is Joanne’s ode to her birthplace in Wales.'
The 11-track project’s lead single ‘Summer Cries’ idyllically demonstrates the band's gentle, yet powerful talent. Layered acoustic guitars provide a warm bed upon which Joanne’s comforting tones lay. The single’s accompanying music video sees the group perform the song amid serene Kent woodland, capturing the magic and majesty of the music and surrounding nature. The rest of the album continues in a similar manner, all the while being informed by the musicians’ environment.
‘Above the Waterline’ was almost made an impossibility following the devastating loss of Joanne’s voice in 2017. The artist underwent surgery to remove two cysts on her vocal cords though there was no guarantee it would be a success. Thankfully, with support from an amazing surgeon and rehabilitation team, she was able to recover, and her voice is now better than ever, allowing her to share her gift with others, as a singing teacher and leading songwriting workshops.
‘Above the Waterline’ is available across all platforms now.
Facebook: @openwatermusic
Instagram: @openwatermusic
Website: openwatermusic.co.uk
