William Topley And The Sea Gypsies

William Topley first came to prominence in the early 90's as an electric blues-influenced singer/songwriter with his band The Blessing. Although relatively short-lived - they produced just two albums “Prince of Dark Water” and “Locusts and Wild Honey” - the impact the albums had, both in the UK and in the USA, did much to cement William's reputation as a creative writer and charismatic performer of real power and integrity. With William's heady literary influences, a taste for the bluesy sound of America’s Deep South and an interest in the Caribbean rhythms of Jamaican reggae, producer Neil Dorfsman (Sting, Dire Straits) described him as “the most original songwriter I’ve heard for years.” With the demise of The Blessing in the mid 90's William went solo, producing his debut solo album in 1997 and continued to record and perform through the 2000's, impressing numerous high profile musicians and creating a dedicated fan base in the process. Producer Barry Beckett (Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon) called him “the best singer I’ve ever heard” and guitarist Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), with whom William has toured and recorded extensively described him (somewhat endearingly) as "…big-hearted, emotional and strictly legit”. With 9 solo albums to his name now, including the latest “Aristocrats of the South Seas”, William's music has been described variously as "…subtle vignettes of life that take in universal themes that are filtered through the lens of late night performances, morning after black coffees and too many cigarettes" and "…songs that are dripping with evocative lyrics and memorable musical imagery". After a stand-out performance sitting in with Sting's guitarist Dominic Miller here at the Club both this year and last year it is with enormous pleasure that we welcome William to the Club tonight with his own band, The Sea Gypsies, featuring Mark Taylor-piano, Luke Brighty-guitar, Al Anderson-drums and Dorie Jackson-vocals. This promises to be a very special night from a very special performer. Booking advised.

"Topley's songwriting...mature and complex. His poetry is vibrant and sensational. These songs would be amazing even with only a basic, stark accompaniment because of the lyricism...Brilliant songs and a brilliant voice" Hybrid Magazine;
"Topley’s deep baritone proves the perfect vehicle for traversing the musical map...listen to how well his vocals complement the music on the song "Magnolia." I doubt there is another singer who could sing it as well...a musical smorgasbord of diverse styles, all laid down over a bed of the blues" Soundstage