Blue Svengalis

Berkshire-based Alternative Pop Rockers Blue Svengalis released their self-titled debut album on Friday 22nd August. The band were initially active between 1996 and 2003, but were revived by founder, leader, composer, guitarist, producer and vocalist Shak Cee in 2020. The album features ten original compositions written and produced by Shak. It was co-produced, recorded and mixed at Tilehouse Studios in Denham by Luke Oldfield. Recruiting top session musicians Joanne Ruocco (drums), Pat Kenneally (keyboards), Claire Frances and Belinda Campbell (vocals) to the existing line-up of Shak, Sasha Titov (bass) and Matt Wates (saxophone), work on the album began in October 2020, and it was recorded incrementally until its completion in July 2025.

Special guests on the album include Luke Oldfield on bass, slide guitar and backing vocals, Alan Glen (formerly of The Yardbirds and Nine Below Zero) on Blues harp/harmonica and Steve Wickham (formerly of The Waterboys) on violin. Recorded almost entirely on analogue tape (and using the studio’s vintage instruments and hardware), overdubs were to complete live takes and involved a minimum of digital manipulation, while the album's vivid audio textures were expertly mastered by Andy LeVien at RMS Studios. The sound of Blue Svengalis is sunny and uplifting featuring catchy and humorous songs about travelling the world, loving music and nature.

Kicking the album off in a suitably affecting style comes the affirmatively assured 'Music Is The One'. A fluently articulated rhythm pattern from drum maestro Joanne Ruocco sets the scene before sprightly Byrds style guitar chords from Shak Cee wash over spreading their jangly joy. Matt Wates sumptuous saxophone interludes galvanise the melodious structure.

'Sailing Away (To A Tropical Island)' is irresistibly tranquil with subtle hints of a Jeff Lynne inspired production to it. The mellifluously dreamy backing vocals and lushly epicurean melodies transport the mind and sooth the soul.

'Rock'n'roll Fan' is a resolutely joyous trip into the all-consuming dedication to Rock! If you know, you know. A frantically frisky guitar solo fits snuggly with the peppy rhythm structure locking in the groove and aligning with the gyrating juncture. Majestically canorous harmony vocals from Claire Frances and Belinda Campbell add much gravitas to the overall arrangement.

The gleefully salubrious 'Mexico' suitably transports the listener to warmer climes. Melodically undulating bass lines snake with purpose creating mystical intrigue, courtesy of Tilehouse Studio's very own producer/musician Luke Oldfield. A delightful song to sit back, relax and float down stream to!

'Start It Again' has a reboundingly bouncy Bo Diddley inspired backbeat which sets the rocking agenda, executed with unbridled fervour by powerhouse drummer Joanne Ruocco. Shimmering Farfisa organ flourishes from the dextrously skilled Pat Kenneally pepper the scene with dazzlingly buoyant colours. Shak's tenaciously strident lead vocals dominate to great effect. A vivacious slice of Ramones tinged Garage Rock.

The autobiographic 'Blue Svengalis' takes us back to the origins of the band. Vociferously feisty vocals repeatedly spell out the title in a jovial high-spirited sing along fashion. Infectious hooks animate the scintillating Buddy Holly inspired chord progression. A change of pace during the bridge section juxtaposes from the insistent Motown sounding backbeat before building back up to reprise the main theme.

The thought provoking 'Farming' slows proceedings down with its dreamy elsyian musings on all things earthly cultivation. Divinely sonorous saxophone from Matt Wates sings expressively. An absorbingly restrained guitar solo from Shak fits the overall vibe incisively.

'Restless Heart Pt. 1' is a delightfully genial Celtic-Country Rock tinged instrumental with charmingly cherubic penny whistle interludes from Rosie Brownhill and radiantly resonant accordion accompaniment from Anton Pazicky.

The slow slinky Blues of 'Bungee Jump' seductively beguiles with its snaking descending hook and howling slide guitar wails. Blindingly blissful harmonica riffs delivered by the legendary Alan Glen (The Yardbirds/Nine Below Zero) sit succinctly in the pocket. Alluringly raunchy vocals from Shak and Claire Frances add much gravitas to the mood.

Concluding the album comes the yearningly potent 'Restless Heart Pt. 2', a Folk-Country Rock flavoured song complete with melodiously mellow vocals and delectably nimble fiddle phrases from ex-Waterboy's violinist Steve Wickham. The perfect tune to sit back and watch the sunset.

There is much to get nostalgic about here, guaranteed to raise your spirits and warm the cockles of your heart. It might have been a long time in the making, but following a positive momentum and unwavered enthusiasm, the album has finally been realised. Without doubt an adeptly accomplished and uplifting musical odyssey.

Steven C. Gilbert