Balsamo Deighton Gig Swansea Grand Theatre.dec.2.2016

One from last night's amazing gig with old friends Balsamo Deighton & their friends! Photo by & copyright of Graham Harries (gphotography).

http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Balsamo-Deighton gig december 2 2016

Our gig is happening tonight. Thanks to all who've spread the word! Se ya there if ya there x

http://www.swansea.gov.uk/BalsamoDeighton

 http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Balsamo Deighton - If i had a gun

http://beegeesfanfever.blogspot.nl/

Balsamo Deighton : Bob Harris' inaugural festival under the Apple Tree

 

Great music from Bob Harris' inaugural festival. We had such a lovely time!

 

 

 

https://www.mixcloud.com/UnderTheAppleTree/under-the-apple-tree-radio-utatfest-special-8/

 

 

 

http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

 

 

 

 

Swansea duo Balsamo Deighton and friends host concert for city's homeless

 

 

 

IT is good news for fans of The Storys - but even better for some of Swansea's homeless. The Swansea-based band who toured the world, and supported the likes of Elton John on his European tours, are to make a near complete reunion for a one-off gig later this year, to raise money for Zac's Place, which works with some of the city's most excluded.

 

And they are being joined by a number of other musical faces from Swansea, including rockers Who's Molly, in what they hope will become an annual showcase for local talent. http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Andy Collins: new album release october 2016

Day of promotional work for Grand Theatre gig with Balsamo Deighton, Karl Morgan and myself....don't forget to mention that I have new album coming out in October hehe x

Andy

http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Balsamo-Deighton :Today on Swansea Sound july 20th 2016

Balsamo Deighton, Karl Morgan and Andy Collins will be on Swansea Sound today at 1pm, talking to Lieghton Lones about our big winter gig at The Grand Theatre.

You can listen online here http://www.swanseasound.co.uk/on-air/leighton-jones





http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Balsamo Deighton a big winter gig at The Grand Theatre, Swansea on Friday December 2nd 2016!

Balsamo Deighton and friends have a big winter gig at The Grand Theatre, Swansea on Friday December 2nd 2016!

Sets from Who's Molly?, Andy Collins, Christian Phillips and others, with profits going to Swansea's homeless community via the excellent work of Zac's Place. Early heads up, as we want to fill the place, raise the roof and maybe make it an annual event!


You can book tickets here   http://www.swansea.gov.uk/BalsamoDeighton

Please spread the word far and wide! Thank you

 

EXCLUSIVE! ‘Blue’ by Balsamo Deighton

Balsamo Deighton: classic country, Camden-style
 

source :www.songwritingmagazine.co.uk july 8 2016
 

Our second exclusive this week comes from Camden-based duo Balsamo Deighton, with a world-first look at their brand new video

This week’s second exclusive comes in video form, as the Camden, London-based duo of Steve Balsamo and Rosalie Deighton – AKA, more simply, Balsamo Deighton – kindly give Songwriting readers the first chance to see the video for their song Blue. The track is taken from their debut album Unfolding, which was released in February.

Balsamo Deighton were formed some 10 years ago when the pair met while recording their respective debut solo albums at the same London studio, and, in their words, “bonded over a love of 70s singer-songwriters, country music and cake”. They cite the likes of Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, Alison Krauss and Steve Earle as key influences, and recently toured with Colin Blunstone of The Zombies. A UK tour with Judith Owen is also in the offing this November.

They say of Blue itself: “Blue was written after a period of loss and transformation, but is played with a positive and upbeat outlook.” In the video, Rosalie is played by her six-year-old niece Freyja, while Steve is played by his four-year-old son Frankie.
See what you think…


http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Steve Balasamo: SOLSTICE TRANSFORMATION

If you're about South Wales on Summer Solstice, we'll be gathering for an evening of chant and beautiful magick! Please share with those you think may like! Thanks X

SOLSTICE TRANSFORMATION - Reclaiming your Spirit. Tuesday 21st June 2016, 7.30pm - 9.30pm, at The Academy in Swansea SatNav SA1 4JJ. Tickets are only £10 at: www.stephenobrien.co.uk/academy/events.html 

Mystical chanting and Shamanic drumming - a Healing Summer Solstice Experience with West-End and Recording Star... STEVE BALSAMO, and Healing Therapist JEFF REES JONES (DHP). Transform your life, heal your past and realign your present to achieve your best possible future. In this Solstice Celebration we will be guided through a rebirth and a renewal process using ancient journeying techniques into the past to connect with our ancestors - then into the future - with gentle Shamanic drumming and soft chanting conducted by voice expert. Steve Balsamo. A wonderful night of exploration, and no singing voice is required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

 

 

 

Balsamo Deighton. These Four Walls at the acapella may 21 2016

http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Balsamo deighton joined :Hope: "Without hope we all have nothing"

Balsamo Deighton are proud to sing on this beautiful single, I Hope, which is released today for Missing People charity.

You can buy it here .     https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/i-hope-single/id1109372930Please repost. Thanks X

Here's some info from the press release...

...

"A choir of families with missing loved ones have joined forces with music stars from across the decades including Rick Astley, Chesney Hawkes, Nik Kershaw, Carol Decker, Lesley Garrett, Hayley Tamaddon, Jodie Prenger, Debra Stephenson, Kerry Ellis, Balsamo Deighton and G4on a charity single which they arehoping the public will get behind to help reach every missing child.

The original song, I Hope was inspired by the words of Kevin Gosden whose son Andrew went missing atthe age of14 in 2007 and highlights the heartbreak facing families with missing loved ones, and the often agonising hope of seeing them again. I Hope is available for pre-order now in Itunes, and will be released on Friday 20 May ahead of International Missing Childrens Day (25 May) with profits going to the charity Missing Peoples Find Every Child campaign.

An average of 140,000 children go missing in the UK every year and the campaign is aiming tobe able to reach every one of them. Missing People Choir members performing on the single include; Nicki Durbin, for whom the song also marks the 10th anniversary of the disappearance of her son Luke on 12 May, Peter Boxell, whose son Lee went missing in1988, Sarah Godwin, whose son Quentin went missing in May 1992, Ros Hodgkiss, whose daughter Alice Gross was missing for a month before she was tragically found to have been murdered, and Denise Horvath Allan, whose son Charles went missing in1989.

Nicki Durbin, mother of missing Luke said,

'Its a hugely emotional time for me and my family as we reach 10 years since we last saw my beautiful boy. It would be truly wonderful for families like mine if the public would put their support behind this single and show the world that Luke and all these missing children are not forgotten.The music video will also raise awareness of some of the UKs most long-term missing children including Madeleine McCann, Ben Needham, Kevin Hicks, Sandy Davidson and Katrice Lee.'

Chesney Hawkes said

'I feel honoured to be joining the Missing People Choir on this single. The power ofthe lyrics really brings home the struggle faced by those families living in limbo, hoping that their child will one day come back to them'.

http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Balsamo Deighton last of the series behind the song- Drive on

http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Balsamo Deighton Story behind the song ride it

http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Balsamo Deighton monday 25 july 2016 Greennote

 

Coming back to London soon, July 25th at The Green Note in Camden. Its a lovely venue and very intimate so best to book early!

http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Steve Balsamo - memories

Steve)This picture was in @SWEveningPost this week and was taken in Swansea police station in 1981. It was an initiative to encourage people to stamp their postcodes on their bikes, and I can remember it like it was yesterday. Harry H Corbett was playing in Dick Whittington at Swansea Grand, and I remember him being a lovely man. He passed away not long after unfortunately. Back row, Lisa Israel, me, Joanne Harris, Pamela James. Front row, Chrissy 'Tonto' Thomas, Harry H Corbett

 

http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Balsamo Deighton are playing a set at a charity concert april 22 2016

Balsamo Deighton are playing a set at a charity concert this evening at ST DAVIDS CHURCH, Neath Rd, Neath SA11 4AN. 630 start. x


http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Under The Apple Tree Roots Festival canceled

very sorry to have to share the news today that Under The Apple Tree Roots Festival for May has been cancelled. An announcement has been posted on their website: 



www.undertheappletreefestival.com


  http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

interview Balsamo Deighton march 27 2016

Steve Balsamo and Rosalie Deighton met over 10 years ago at Grammy award winning producer Martin Terefe's London recording studio where he was working on their respective major label debut albums. Bonding over a love of 70's singer/songwriters, country music and cake, they vowed one day to record together as they felt their voices would blend and give what Emmylou Harris calls 'the rub'.
Several times around the world in various musical guises and Balsamo Deighton's paths crossed again when Rosalie supported Steve's highly regarded country/rock band The Storys.  Having returned from touring with the likes of Elton John, Santana, Celine Dion and Joe Cocker, The Storys asked Rosalie to join and help write and record for their 3rd album, 'Luck'.
When The Storys decided to call it a day, Steve and Rosalie took it as a sign that the time was right to make some music together. They called on friend and ace songwriter Julian Wilson of Grand Drive, and slowly and quietly kicked some ideas around at his South London studio.

Tell us about yourselves and what you do?

Rosalie - I'm a singer songwriter, addicted to Nutella, cake and food in general - I have to eat every two hours otherwise I get grumpy. I'm a keen runner, have run a few marathons for Macmillan in memory of my sister. I grew up on the road playing music with my parents and brother and sisters. I live and breathe music, I grew up listening to blue grass, country, rock, and American folk. I love singing with Steve.

Steve - I'm a singer, songwriter, artist and tarot reader. I was born in Swansea, South Wales to an Italian Father and Welsh mother. I have 2 younger brothers who both sing. We grew up listening to Opera, Jim Reeves and Led Zeppelin. I once played Jesus. With my old band - The Storys - we appeared in a film with Jason Statham. I like beer and real ale. I'm interested in the paranormal and magic, and even captured a 'ghost' voice (or EVP) that we mixed into our song, ‘The Ghost Of You And Me.’

How did you get together?
Steve - We met in Grammy winning producer Martin Terefe's London studio, when he was working on our respective major label albums. We bonded of 70's West Coast music and the love of cake.
Rosalie – I also supported Steve's old band, The Storys, opening up for them on a couple of tours, and then joined when a member left. I helped write and record their 3rd album Luck, and when the band called it a day, Steve and I started work on Balsamo Deighton.

What is your current release?
Rosalie - We are releasing our debut album, ‘Unfolding’ on February 5th, which we are very proud of.
Steve - It's taken us 4 years to get it together! We liked the freedom and the gentleness of kicking ideas around, starting in Julian Wilson of Grand Drive's South London studio and finishing off in Tim Hamill's south Wales studio. We are signed to earMUSIC, a very cool German label, and are hoping to get out to Europe to support the album.

What is the best part of being in a band/singer/songwriter?
Rosalie - Getting to travel, perform and meet amazing people. It's such a colourful way of life. It's a lovely feeling to be able to sit in a room start off with a note, a chord, a word and with the right chemistry create something that gives me joy and energy. 
Steve - I think it is a privilege to be able to witness something, write about it, record it, and hopefully hear it on the radio. It's a strange kind of alchemy I think; sitting in a room with other players, distilling feelings, fashioning them into something ear wormy, recording the feelings and then if we get lucky, watching the reaction when others hear it. It's magic!

http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/


What is your most significant moment yet?
Rosalie - There are so many - I can't think of anyone in particular - I think once the interview is finished, I'll remember that one!!
Steve - There have been a few amazing moments, but I think the most significant is when Robert Plant called me up and asked me if I'd help him with his harmony singing. I kid you not! I'd met him a few times and he really liked our old band, The Storys, after seeing us playing at (lord) Bob Harris' 60th birthday party. He's such a nice dude. Growing up as a huge fan, I almost had an out of the body experience when we got into the studio for the 'lesson', as I could hear my 15 year old self saying, "how the f**k did you get us here!"

What are your biggest musical influences?
Rosalie - Emmylou Harris (my mum would play her to me before I was born), Bill Monroe, Chris Thile, Maria McKee and Bruce Springsteen.
Steve - I have loads of influences, too many to mention here, but here's a few... I love Plant, Paul Rodgers, Springsteen, Tom Waits, the Finn brothers, Maria McKee, Petty, Ryan Adams, Bryan Adams, Dan Reed, Maria Callas, Lisa Gerrard, Emmylou, Marc Cohn, Ozzy, Dio, Bryn Terfel, Deep Purple, Jane Siberry, Willie Nelson, Bessie Smith, Shawn Colvin, Paula Cole, Jackson Browne, Don Henley.

What venue/gig do you most want play?
Rosalie - Royal Albert hall / Carnegie hall, Madison square garden 
Steve - Hollywood Bowl

What is your best/favourite song you've written?
Rosalie - On this record it would be run back to your life - followed by blue- I love them all!
Steve - The song I'm probably most proud of is the title track of our debut, Unfolding. When we toured with The Storys, a guy used to come and see us a lot with his son. He was a soldier and was unfortunately killed in action. We got the news the day before we were returning to play in his town, and before the show his dad came with a member of his squadron to collect one of our songs to be played at his funeral. It was devastating and humbling to be part of his story, and his unfolding. Rosalie and I while writing the song with Julian Wilson, was inspired to build his story into the song as a small way of honouring him.

What is your favourite album of this year?
Rosalie -The Temperance Movement - White Bear and Brothers Osborne - Pawn Shop
Steve - Blackstar, Bowie. An incredible, deep, artistic and magical way to leave earth. Real genius and inspiration.

What does the next six months have in store for you?
Rosalie - Hitting the road, touring this record and spending a lot of time with Steve - sorry Steve! 
Steve - I think we will be out and about supporting the release of Unfolding, hopefully playing gigs and festivals all over the place.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Rosalie - Still creating music, touring and baking in my huge kitchen that I'll have in my huge house that I see in my future…
Steve - Hopefully still making music, creating, writing songs and touring planet earth - and maybe beyond!

What is the best thing about Americana - UK?
Rosalie & Steve - It's a fantastic dedicated resource to discover new Americana music, run by - like us - lovers of the genre

source: Americana.uk

Balsamo Deighton : Alex Lester BBC Radio Oxford show march 18 2016

Excited to be on the the great Alex Lester (@alexthedarklord) BBC Radio Oxford show today, at about 2 pm (UK time). Listen live, or again by checking out the link.

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03krmjy


Steve

Balsamo- Deighton :The final line-up for Under The Apple Tree stage at C2C

The final line-up for Under The Apple Tree stage at C2C has been announced! We are on Sunday 13th March at about 12:30pm. This stage is in Building 6 at the O2 Arena. Come on down!

 http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

balsamo- Deighton live on radio march 3 2016

March 3 2016

We are very happy to be playing a few songs for http://www.radiopembrokeshire.com/ at their Local Hero Awards tonight


 http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Balsamo Deighton und die Folk-Musik der 70er Jahre

Berlin -febr 25 2016 STERN

 Sie in Westernstiefeln und mit Lederjacke über dem Blümchenkleid. Er mit Cowboystiefeln, groß gemustertem Karohemd und dunklem Jackett. Roots-Rock mit Country-Einschlag würde man tippen, wenn man das Cover des Albums «Unfolding» (earMusic/Edel) von Balsamo Deighton ansieht


Und liegt damit auch nicht ganz verkehrt: 70er-Ikonen wie Gram Parsons, Jackson Browne oder Emmylou Harris zählen Steve Balsamo und Rosalie Deighton zu ihren Einflüssen. Für die etwas rockigeren Momente sorgen Vorbilder wie Tom Petty.
«Erwachsener Songs über das menschliche Befinden», so beschreibt das Duo sein in London entstandenes Debütalbum «Unfolding», das mit Hilfe der Fundraising-Plattform «PledgeMusic» das Licht der Welt erblickte. Die beiden Musiker kennen sich schon viele Jahre und haben auch in Deightons Band The Storys einige Zeit zusammengespielt. Nach deren Auflösung blieben die beiden «übrig».



Und sie passen gut zusammen - vor allem beim Gesang: «Ich liebe Rosalies ätherische Stimme und obwohl wir unterschiedliche Sänger sind, passiert da immer etwas Magisches», sagte Steve Balsamo laut Mitteilung der Plattenfirma.
Am Schönsten passt das alles in dem Song «Long Way Round» zusammen. Eine langsame, von Melancholie getragene atmoshärische Ballade über die Krux mit der Liebe. Rosalie Deighton schrieb den Song, nachdem ihr damaliger Partner sie betrogen hatte. Ein Hauch von Düsternis durchzieht das Lied, mit dem sich Balsamo Deighton wohl am weitesten von ihren Westcoast-Ikonen entfernen.
Und in ihren schönsten Momenten positioniert sich das Duo zwischen Fleetwood Mac und Crosby, Stills & Nash.


.http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR - STEVE BALSAMO E BRUNELLA PLATANIA

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Balsamo Deighton - Blue - 'Live From The Coast'

Lovely video of our song Blue from our Album Launch at Coast Italia, Swansea. Febr. 2016 http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

New video from Balsamo Deighton - Drive On

http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Unfolding of a musical journey Balsamo Deighton debut recording

Unfolding of a musical journey Balsamo Deighton debut recording

 February 8, 2016 by Bluesdoodles


Thirteen may be unlucky for some. Not so for the Unfolding of a musical journey, Balsamo Deighton’s debut recording. The album Unfolding is pure Americana from the duo Steve Balsamo and Rosalie Deighton. Steve and Rosalie are both respected singer song writers and joining forces the power of two is quadrupled. As they explain this is a collection of ‘grown up songs on the human condition’. They met over ten years ago and then the music journey took them on different routes. Several times around the world in various musical guises, their paths crossed again when Rosalie – who grew up in the successful folk band The Deighton Family and is considered one of Britain’s finest female vocalists – supported Steve’s highly regarded country rock band from Swansea, The Storys. Unfolding is the outcome of a collaboration that has created an album that is fragrant with emotion and flows with the turbulence of life tempered with those golden days we all want to capture.

Opening with piano chords that gain your attention and then Drive On builds from simplicity into flowing lyrics and a melody line that drives you through a scenic route. Track one gained my attention could this be sustained yes the drum snares and the vocals soar now this is Americana with thoughtful lyrics and textures in the tempo. Yes, this is music that will always, if not careful, drift into the background BUT Balsamo Deighton have enough grit to keep you listening and the feet will tap. Lyrics have a hint of rawness and do not stop the whole production from becoming too syrupy sweet. By half way through the duo are in full flow and the album has a shape that is distinctive. Light In The Dark for me needs perhaps musically to have had a stronger darker side to add another shape in the repertoire of a duo with stylish voices and the power of lyrics. Then I got that hardening of the beat with Run Back To Your Life, vocal harmonisation and a tune that adds tonal depth and darkness as they sing about parting there is a never-ending circle of yearning throughout this track; with its feel of country drenched Americana. The beat picks up and 50 Foot Jesus hits the airwaves this is a quirky number that certainly once again catches your attention. As the 50 Foot Jesus on a billboard caught theirs! The title track is poignant, acapella has incredible power when done well as in the opening of the closing track. Unfolding written with immense feeling as penned in memory of a fan who was killed in Afghanistan and the simplicity of the track ensures it is all about the words.

There is a bonus (iTunes only) track thirteen For The Night with Rosalie opening in a trance like number as if waking from a dream. A gentle number closing Unfolding.
Balasamo Deighton are a duo in harmony with each other, this is Americana folk that tells a tale that they unfold using melody as the roadway and vocals as the driving medium..
Bluesdoodles gives this CD SEVEN doodle paws out of TEN ….
Balasmo Deighton – Unfolding Released 5th February 2016 – earMusic a project of Edel (Distributed in the UK by Absolute via Universal).

Track Listing

1. Drive On
2. Blue
3. Ride It
4. Sky Blue And Back
5. Long Way Round
6. Light In The Dark
7. The Dream Song
8. Run Back To Your Life
9. The Ghost of Me And You
10. 50 foot Jesus
11. These Four Walls
12. Unfolding
13. For The Night ( iTunes only)



 http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Balsam Deighton Under The Apple Tree Sessions at C2C

Sun March 13, 2016 - 12:40 PM

Balsamo/Deighton

London, United Kingdom, 2016

Under The Apple Tree Sessions at C2C O2 Arena

with:Balsamo Deighton  ...less

 ...more

O2 Arena

Peninsula Square

London, United Kingdom

Under The Apple Tree Sessions (Bob Harris stage) in Building Six O2 Arena

http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Balsamo Deighton in UK country Charts!

Well THANK YOU for helping us get into the UK Country Charts!!! We are so happy!!!!!
(Steve)
It's amazing...
...we write a bunch of songs from the heart, record them, then send them out into the world like sonic messages in bottles.
...
We hope that they land, somewhere, and hope that they connect with people the way they have connected with us.

The feedback and reviews we've had so far really makes us think that we have connected in some way.

As songwriters, this is very, very satisfying.

But being on a list with Buddy Miller, sheeeeesh!

Thank you from both of us x

 http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

 

Balsamo Deighton : from tonight's intimate album launch in Swansea of the new Balsamo Deighton album

After 6 years in the making it's arrived! From tonight's intimate album launch in Swansea of the new Balsamo Deighton album. A mix of story telling & music with a great group of people. Photo by & copyright of Graham Harries (gphotography). (thanks Graham for sharing )



http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Steve Balsamo launches new album in Swansea: "I'm always writing songs, it's like an addiction"

The Storys might have called it a day, but former frontman Steve Balsamo just can't stop songwriting. He talks to MARK REES ahead of the launch of the new Balsamo Deighton album in Swansea tonight.

Much-missed Swansea rock band The Storys had a very simple, and highly effective, philosophy to their music: it was all about the song.
A philosophy which former frontman Steve Balsamo has adhered to with his current project, Americana duo Balsamo Deighton.
"We always used to say that 'the song is the king'," he explains ahead of the launch of his new album Unfolding, which will be unveiled at High Street's Coast Italia this evening.

 In fact, he describes the whole art of songwriting as something of a mystical process, a compulsive drive which he seemingly has little control over.
"It's magical," says Steve, who has penned songs for the likes of Meat Loaf, Anthony Callea, Jonatan Cerrada and Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash.
"I'm always writing songs, it's like an addiction. What's amazing is that you start with nothing, and then a magic, or alchemy happens.
"You go into a room, and when you come out six hours later you've willed something into existence.

"When those songs go out the door, you have no idea where they're going to land, and what I've noticed is that the more personal you make things, the more they connect with people."
Steve recalls one in particular which has had a profound effect on him, both as a person and as a songwriter.
"When we play the song Unfolding, I tell the story of it beforehand," he says of the title track from his latest full-length offering.
"It's one of my favourite songs that I've ever been involved with.
"A lot of the songs on the album have got a big sound, very poppy and rocky. But this one is very stripped down with a Springsteen vibe.
"The Storys played a gig in Aldershot once, and our manager got a call afterwards from a man whose son was killed in Afghanistan.
"He wanted the song God Take Care of the One I Love, written by Dai Smith, to be played at his son's funeral. It became a part of his story.
"It was a very humbling moment — the song is based on that story."

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"He heard it on the radio, and before you know it we're in a film with Jason Statham."

Steve recollects another tune which, after being released into the world, was played on radio and caught the ear of a movie director – which led to the group landing a role in a film with Hollywood hardman Jason Statham.
"It was quite trippy," Steve says with a laugh of their part in 2008 crime film Bank Job.
"He heard it on the radio, and before you know it we're in a film with Jason Statham. He was very nice, and very short – but I wouldn't tell him that to his face!" he jokes.
But now it's time to look to the future, and with The Storys going their separate ways in 2010, Steve thinks that his time away from the spotlight has helped his new music with fellow former member Rosalie Deighton.
"It's been a long time coming, but it's all beginning again now," he says.
"Rosie joined The Storys after Dai left, and the band was such a big part of our lives that I needed to take some time out.
"When we started writing again, it was almost like therapy. It was cathartic, and we had some good songs."
And with no pressure from being in a band, the songwriting process was much more organic.
"There were no expectations on us," he tells me.
"The songs came very gently, they're songs about life. A lot has happened over the years, like the birth of my son Frankie.
"We had about 30 songs, and the album is actually album mark three – it's our favourite configuration of those songs."
And fans of The Storys will be glad to know that, musically, Steve and Rosalie haven't strayed too far from the sound that they know and love.
"It's quite poppy," he says.
"We love the American West Coast sounds, and we've got a country influence, very much in the singer songwriter vein."
He credits the likes of Jackson Brown and The Eagles to Ryan Adams and Emmylou Harris as influences, with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss' Raising Sand album being a particular inspiration.
As Steve says: "We just like good songs."
But along with his musical influences, there is another equally important factor which has had a profound effect on shaping Steve's musical talents – his hometown.

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"I've been all over the world, and Swansea is one of the greatest, most creative and vibrant places I've ever been."

"Being from here is a massive influence on my creativity," he says, pointing out some of the major cultural figures to emerge from the city and the surrounding areas.
"I've been all over the world, and Swansea is one of the greatest, most creative and vibrant places I've ever been.
"It's an edgy, bohemian city, and I always used to say with The Storys that I'm from a little town that's got all these great poets, actors and artists.
"Actors like Richard Burton, Anthony Hopkins and Michael Sheen from Port Talbot, or musicians like Badfinger, Bonnie Tyler and Mal Pope.
"And then there's Dylan Thomas, a former Archbishop of Canterbury, and Harry Secombe – he was one of The Goons, for God's sake!" he laughs.
"And that's just the big names. I think there's something in the water."
In fact, Steve's only complaint with the area is that we don't shout about it quite enough for his liking.
"The Welsh don't like to brag. They unveiled a plaque to Pete Hamm a few years ago, and had a concert in the Grand afterwards," he says of the celebration, at which Balsamo Deighton performed on a line-up which included the likes of Mal Pope and former Badfinger band members.
"Pete Hamm was one of the best songwriters to walk the earth, and if that was in Liverpool or somewhere there'd be a museum to Badfinger."
On a more positive note, he is excited by the recently unveiled plans to develop the area — in particular, the news that Swansea could soon have its own indoor arena.
"That's a massive statement, and a massive chance for up-and-coming artists to support some big artists. We had some funding from the Arts Council when we started this journey, but it's so difficult, and anything that can help is a good thing."

Balsamo Deighton's debut album Unfolding is on sale now, and will be launched at Swansea's High Street Coast Italia on Saturday, February

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Balsamo-Deighton dutch review of album unfolding

Written in music

Balsamo Deighton – Unfolding Door Cis van Looy op 04 februari 2016

Band:	Balsamo Deighton
Album_title:	Unfolding
Genre:	country, folkpop
Release_date:	02/05/2016
Label:	Ear Music
Rating:	Drie sterren (3)
Soundsid:	3455854

Unfolding Balsamo Deighton

Cis van Looy 33

SoundId€10,99

Het is ondertussen al ruim tien jaar geleden dat Steve Balsamo en Rosalie Deighton  elkaar voor het eerst ontmoeten in de studio in Londen tijdens opnamesessies voor hun respectievelijke solodebuten. Nadien kruisen de paden van Steve, een Welshman met een Italiaanse vader en Rosalie telg van de beroemde folkdynastie The Deighton familie, zich nog meermaals. Rosalie werkte samen met Balsamo bij The Storys. Een gedeelde liefde voor singersongwriters uit de jaren zeventig en country muziek resulteerde onlangs in het Balsama Deighton project.
Op de eerste studioschijf van het duo overheerst een romantisch gevoel zonder evenwel in melige toestanden te vervallen in songs die vanuit persoonlijke ervaringen ontstonden. Drive On is geïnspireerd door een nachtelijke autorit van Los Angeles naar Las Vegas.In midtempo werk als Ride It klinken ook muzikale Amerikaanse invloeden sterk door, de harmonica en gitaarbegeleiding versterken dat gevoel, luister maar eens naar Sky Blue and Black dat een weidse klankenpalet onthult. Helaas wordt  daarbij niet zelden voor een iets te gepolijste aanpak, die we wel vaker bij de instrumentatie van het hedendaagse country georiënteerd werk opduikt gekozen. Het op zich niet onaardige 50 Foot Jesus vormt daar geen uitzondering op.
Wel opmerkelijk zijn de stemmen van Balsamo en Deighton die elkaar perfect aanvoelen en aanvullen. In de wat luchtiger georkestreerde songs als  Run Back To Your Life en akoestisch werk als These Four Walls en de prachtige afsluitende titelsong Unfolding komt de stemmenpracht stukken beter uit de verf maar helaas schuilen die lichtjes magische momenten enkel in de staart van dit debuut.

Tracklisting Unfolding:

1. Drive On
2. Blue
3. Ride It
4. Sky Blue And Black
5. Long Way Round
6. Light In The Dark
7. The Dream Song
8. Run Back To Your Life
9. The Ghost Of Me And You
10. 50 Foot Jesus
11. These Four Walls
12. Unfolding

Balsamo Deighton - Behind The Song "Unfolding"

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Steve Balsamo - Manx Radio with Marc Tyley - 24 Oct 2015

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Balsamo Deighton - BBC Radio Northampton with John Griff - 11 Nov 2015

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Balsamo Deighton - BBC Radio Bristol with Claire Cavanagh - 2 Nov 2015

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Steve Balsamo - BBC Radio Wales with Alan Thompson - 4 Oct 2015

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Balsamo-Deighton :Under The Apple Tree Roots Festival from 27-29 May 2016

We were excited to be at the Under The Apple Tree Roots Festival press launch today. We will be performing at the festival which takes place from 27-29 May 2016. Tickets and further details here: www.undertheappletreefestival.com
‪#‎UTATFest‬

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Steve Balsamo & Rosalie Deighton Team Up for Debut Album

Author: Economic Voice Staff

Americana duo Balsamo Deighton announce the release of their debut album ‘Unfolding’. Steve Balsamo and Rosalie Deighton – both respected vocalists, musicians and songwriters in their own right – have joined forces to record a collection of ‘grown up songs on the human condition’.

 Influenced by a wealth of classic writers and musicians – from Gram Parsons, Crowded House and Steve Earle to Tom Petty, Ryan Adams, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss – Balsamo Deighton's songs pretty much nod and wink to them all. The duo are two close friends, simply making music that they love. “I love Rosalie’s ethereal voice and knew that although we are very different singers something magical was happening” says Steve.

 They instinctively knew what harmonies to sing, “Singing with Steve takes me to a happy place where even the best wine in the world can’t take me!” jokes Rosalie.

After meeting 10 years ago at Martin Terefe's London recording studio – where they were working on their respective debut solo albums – they bonded over a love of 70s singer/songwriters, country music and cake and vowed to record together as they felt their voices blend together and give what Emmylou Harris calls ‘the rub’ – two harmonies melting into one.

 Several times around the world in various musical guises, their paths crossed again when Rosalie – who grew up in the successful folk band The Deighton Family and is considered one of Britain’s finest female vocalists – supported Steve's highly regarded band The Storys. Having returned from touring with the likes of Elton John, Santana, Celine Dion and Joe Cocker, The Storys asked Rosalie to collaborate with them.


When The Storys decided to call it a day, Steve and Rosalie took it as a sign that the time was right to make some music together. They called on friend and songwriter Julian Wilson of Grand Drive, and slowly and quietly kicked some ideas around at his South London studio. These initial sessions were inspiring, fun and very rewarding and all three realised that indeed they had found ‘the rub’. Recording began in earnest with producer and songwriter John Reynolds (Sinead O'Connor, The Indigo Girls and U2), tracking the first song ideas at his North London studio.
 

The PledgeMusic fan-funded album boasts an eclectic mix of stories inspired by their lives. Title track ‘Unfolding’ is about receiving the dreaded letter from the army as Steve explains, “The Storys were once contacted by a father who had lost his son in Afghanistan. They were both fans of the band and they sent a representative of his squadron to collect one of our songs the day before the funeral. It was incredibly moving to be a part of his story, and Unfolding is our reaction to it.” ‘The Dream Song’, an upbeat hopeful anthem, is inspired by a conversation between Steve and the late Jon Lord’s widow in which they both talked about meeting Jon in dreams and how, as in life, he reassured them to keep the dream alive.

Love is represented, of course: while atmospheric love song ‘Long Way Round’ was written after Rosalie discovered an affair, country style ballad ‘Run Back To Your Life’ tells a tale of falling in love with the right person at the wrong time. Meanwhile, ‘The Ghost Of Me And You’ is about two lovers trapped in a relationship that’s dead and, if you listen closely, the voice of a ghost (recorded by Steve at a paranormal investigation) can be heard whispering I kissed her.


 arlier this year the duo performed at Country 2 Country 2015 at the O2, cementing their place in the burgeoning Americana/Alt-Country scene in the UK, where the pair recorded an acoustic session on the Emirates Airline cable car at the event for The Telegraph. Balsamo Deighton are also looking forward to heading out on the road to support ‘Unfolding’ next year.

Tracklisting:

Drive On
Blue
Ride It
Sky Blue And Black
Long Way Round
Light In The Dark
The Dream Song
Run Back To Your Life
The Ghost Of Me And You
50 Foot Jesus
These Four Walls
Unfolding

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beautiful media launch of Balsamo Deighton's album

We had a beautiful media launch of Balsamo Deighton's album in a gorgeous restaurant, L'escargot in Soho the other evening.

We had our own (very strong) real ale brewed by Banks & Taylor brewery in Bedford, amazing food cooked by celebrity chef Tony Singh, had an amazing cake made by Daisy Brydon and we played some songs from the album. Brilliant Pete Thomas joined us on piano and drank most of the beer.
On the way back to Wales we stopped off at the BBC in Cardiff for a beautiful live session with the mighty Alan Thompson, which will be played on 4th of Feb, a day before release.

p.s we're talking to the brewery to make a few more Balsamo Deighton beers for the future...

Steve 








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balsamo-Deighton the story behind the song video is The Dream Song

The next story behind the song video is "The Dream Song". 
What we didn't tell you in the film is that when Ian Paice (the drummer in Deep Purple) heard the song and that it was inspired by Jon Lord, he invited us to his house and studio and played drums on the track! Such a cool dude.
Thanks Ian and thanks James Paice for engineering the session. Huge thank you to Vicky Lord. We hope you enjoy! 

Steve




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Balsamo Deighton - Run Back To Your Life - A Film by Simon Huntley

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Balsamo Deighton - Unfolding - A Film by Simon Huntley

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Balsamo Deighton on Robert Elms show live (BBC Radio London)

Balsamo Deighton on Robert Elms show live (BBC Radio London)

starts around 2hrs 38 mins into the programme. Chat, single play from CD, then live acoustic performance of “Unfolding”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03cg3xy#play 

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