JOSH BRAY (BalconyTV)

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Presented by Jamie Stephens
Photographed by Jei Tootle
Produced by Zoe Allwood
Edited & Directed by The Sprezz

After a string of highly acclaimed reviews surrounding the release of his debut album 'Whisky And Wool' on March 28th 2011, Devon-born Josh Bray has just finished his UK tour, supporting the much-admired British troubadour Jon Allen.

Josh performed solo for the majority of the tour, which he explains is something he was keen to do, as although recently he has enjoyed playing with his four piece band, where their live gigs have developed into a mixture of low key folk and electric blues/rock, he is keen to explore his folk roots more profoundly.

"Whisky and Wool" draws plenty of inspiration from Josh's childhood. Although he was Devon born he grew up in Dorset, where unlike most acoustic singer-songwriters Josh was listening to Pearl Jam, Led Zeppelin Soundgarden and Alice and Chains. It wasn't until Bray switched on the TV and saw Nick Drake performing "Riverman" and as Josh puts it "It all made sense". Josh started down a path which encouraged him to investigate further and he soon became immersed in the whole 1970's folk/rock sound, taking influences from Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, CSN, John Martyn, Dylan and Fairground Convention. These are the sounds and inspiration that so clearly echo throughout "Whisky and Wool".

Josh picked up an old Spanish guitar which belonged to his late father and which he still plays with and began to teach himself. That detuned style he inherited from the British folk scene is still a significant part of his style.

Josh explains "Whisky and Wool" is his personal work of passion, "I don't want to be on 'Cribs' or walk around in fur coats. I just want to play live and put records out that I hope people will enjoy."

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