Rupert Wates was born in London and since 2007 has been based in New York City. Unlike many other Brits who cross the pond, he remains true to his folk-pop roots rather than embracing Americana.
He has released 11 previous CDs of original material and keeps busy performing an average of 120 live shows a year,
Wates explains that all eleven these new songs are about love with a common the theme of loss.
Some are based loosely on classical and Romantic texts (e.g. Guinevere and Lady of the Glades) while others are more contemporary in tone.
Wates has a soothing voice that seduces by his precise enunciation and is enhanced by a backing of expert finger-picking.
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The blatant sentimentalism in tunes like Cathy and Like Sunrise somehow manages to steer clear of cringe-worthy schmaltz and sounds both eloquent and genuine.
Nothing about this record is particularly original but these are graceful songs performed simply and effectively.
Rupert Wates’ website
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