For promoter information, press pack and photos, see the Contact page

REVIEWS: AUBREY REX & OTHER STORIES (CREDO/CREDCD1) 1999

Blues Choice - "On this side of the Atlantic, people should take note of Two Timers, a duo featuring Sarah James on vocals, violin, percussion (including spoons) and Gordon Russell on guitars. Aubrey Rex & Other Stories (Credo) ranges from dreamy to downhome with a selection of thoughtful self-penned numbers"

John Clarke - The Times, UK

"An all bang and strum it philosophy rewards here. A rag bag of efficient, stripped bare writing, a voice from James which makes your ears burn, and chunks of ragged guitar."

Folk Roots, UK

"Every so often we get something through the post here at Rhythm Towers that really turns your head. This album is one of those little gems ... The music sways from pop/rock to blues and the duo are more than capable of giving an extra spark to all musical forms. In the States they fit into the 'alt. country' bracket, the place for those who can't be pinned down... Twelve memorable tracks, 'big' guitar sounds and catchy lines from Gordon, and can Sarah sing? Explosive electric skiffle for the new decade."

Get Rhythm, UK

"Aubrey Rex is a very exciting album. The sound, instrumentation and line-up is something completely different from anything I've heard in a long time. The mix of rhythm & blues, rock'n'roll, and even psychedelia is something new and refreshing. A fine album."

Teppo Natilla, Radio Mafia / FINLAND

"An absolutely stunning CD - innovative, interesting and highly listenable."

Barry Firlong, Promoter / UK

"Everyone should get to know this duo, vocalist, harp player and percussionist Sarah James and guitarist and slide player Gordon Russell better. The material on this, their second album, strays from their bluesy origins. Eleven of the tracks are their own compositions. The twelfth is "Lock and Key" (Harrison, Moody, Solley), one of the numerous standout tracks which is breathtaking live. Gordon sure can play anything on guitar. Sarah sure can sing and, whether she whips up a storm with her vibrant percussion or plays violin or cool harp as on the instrumental "Lover Street", she commands attention."

Fran Leslie - Blueprint, UK

LIVE REVIEWS:

VAUREAL FESTIVAL, FRANCE

"An impressive lesson in harmony and stage presence..."

Emmanuel Roze - Blues & Co

PLYMOUTH PAVILION / UK, Two Timers opening for Status Quo

"Two Timers' electrified acoustic blues/skiffle selection was given a very warm reception for a support act from the first number - the first time I've heard such a thing. They produced an incredible sound that gave the Quo a run for its money in terms of vibe, and at certain points even managed to beat them. The Two Timers' website warns you to prepare to be seriously entertained - I was. I hope they can do it again for me sometime."

Andrew Segal, BBC South West

APOLLO, OXFORD / UK, Two Timers opening for Status Quo

"...Boy, could she sing. Somewhere between Maggie Bell and Lulu and with real power ... very much Page & Plant/Led Zeppelin but stripped down to just the essentials. They were excellent. Great tricky endings too...Go and see this band! Buy their albums! Buy the T shirts! They deserve to succeed."

© Paper Plane - Leisure Magazine

THE MARR'S BAR, Worcester / UK

"As soon as they walked on stage I knew we were in for something special. What I saw and heard I had not been expecting... an exciting barrage of bluesy style songs which Sarah put across in her own uncompromising style; she doesn't just sing - she PERFORMS. Oh, and then there's Gordon; groomed, giving his all. This guy is good!! The audience, who to a person, showed their appreciation and didn't want the show to end... extremely professionally presented, packaged and performed."

Peter Brown

WARNER BLUES WEEKEND, CRICKET ST. THOMAS / UK

"The marvellous Two Timers closed the afternoon's session with a short, brilliant set in which guitarist Gordon Russell confined himself to his trusty Martin acoustic, allowing singer, Sarah James's stunningly beautiful voice to shine through. In full "electric" mode, on the main stage, the Two Timers were even better - boy, do they work hard! It's difficult to believe that two people can generate so much sound - never mind sound of such consistently high quality. Gordon plays driving electric and acoustic guitar, occasionally returning between songs to play very effective slide - while keeping up a relentless bass drum beat with his right foot, on his trademark battered suitcase. Sarah, meanwhile, sings her heart out, also playing harmonica and a huge array of percussion - even the spoons! The Two Timers are truly a phenomenon. They get better every time I see them. As a live act, I truly cannot recommend them highly enough."

Tim Aves, Blues in Britain, Vol 1, Issue 13

MILL STUDIO, GUILDFORD / UK

"...Sarah James showed her impeccable musicianship, while Gordon Russell demonstrated what a fine guitarist he is . Their repertoire is both eclectic and exciting...They are no slouches either when it comes to writing , with "The Harder You Pull" - featured on the Blueprint 98 CD - "Footstompin' Music" and "Do It" from their own album being particularly well received. Another beautiful original, "Forget I Am A Woman", allowed Sarah to demonstrate her great warmth and vocal range. The audience were absolutely bowled over and the encore left them appreciating why the duo are so popular in France, where they were formerly based, and why they will conquer this country with style and great talent."

Howard Williams - Blueprint

FESTIVAL DE VAUREAL / FRANCE

"Dans votre quete de l'absolu et de la perfection musicale qui enrichit et embellit la nature humaine, prenez la direction de l'inoubliable. A la croisee des chemins du Blues et du Rock, vous trouverez "Two Timers". Un duo petillant d'emotion et d'energie, originaire de Londres, avec Gordon Russell la guitare et percussions, Sarah James au chant et harmonica. De version electrique en version acoustique, the Two Timers evoluent en maitres de la musique. Au-dela du simple coup de coeur engendre par la magie d'un festival, c'est une impressionnante lecon d'harmonie et de presence sur scene a laquelle nous avons assiste avec l'ensemble du public du Festival de l'Harmonica de Vaureal qui s'est deroule les 24 & 25 octobre 1997. Une prestation memorable avec ce petit plus d'humilite qui place the Two Timers dans la cour des grands, des minutes gravees pour l'eternite dans la memoire de chacun. Un public de Vaureal tout acquis a leur cause, le regard encore rempli de bonheur et de plaisir, le coeur debordant de cette joie profonde que seule la resonance et la justesse des notes, le feeling savoureux savent transmettre. Un public completement retourne et subjugue devant cette deferlante d'emotion et de saveur riche. Nul n'avait idee en arrivant au festival de Vaureal de la grandeur de l'evenement auquel nous allions assister pour repartir tard dans la nuit, repu et comble de bonheur que seule la musique procure... A tous les festivaliers et passionnes de la musique, retenez bien ce nom "Two Timers", n'ayez aucune retenue pour les integrer dans votre programmation en prenant soin de leur reserver une place de choix."

Emmanuel Roze - Blues & Co

CORN EXCHANGE, IPSWICH / UK

"Seeing "Two Timers" for the first time (with no idea what to expect), was a revelation in itself and they put on an amazing opening set. The place was rocking, and anyone who has seen their female vocalist perform before will know the meaning of "love at first sight". She is a sensational performer. Literally anyone who appreciates pure talent should see these two."

Martin Axman

CRAWLEY BLUES CLUB, CRAWLEY / UK

"Two Timers featuring Sarah James and Gordon Russell were just fantastic. It was a real treat to see so many people obviously enjoying their show. A truly magic night and what a superb encore . A great turnout ... they will be back."

Dave Pugh / promoter

OYSTERFLEET, CANVEY ISLAND / UK

"The major highlight of the night was an all too rare appearance by the Two Timers... a very professional and dynamic outfit. The combination of Gordon Russell's guitar / mandolin playing and Sarah James's percussion / vocal talents gives rise to a very entertaining and somewhat unique set (more details on the duo can be found in Blueprint issue 28)... the unique percussion playing and mature vocal delivery of James really lifting the crowd. Having appeared at the previous year's concert they are clearly established as a favourite act. A real energy driven delivery ...The freshness that Two Timers bring is something that hopefully more people in Britain will get to experience in the near future."

Geoff Rippon - Blueprint