‘Big Easy’ features at its core, Victoria Skingsley-Bartholomew on vocals. She brings an authentic bluesy-soul style of her own, and Chris West, songwriter at the guitar. Chris is a platinum award winning producer in his own right.

The ‘Big Easy’ expands from a duo, for intimate gigs, to a roaring seven piece band of top musicians.
 

WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THE NEW ALBUM

Producers

"Loving the freeway tune !!" - Chris Kimsey 
(Rolling Stones producer)

"chill out americana from deepest darkest Essex!
Great natural sound!" - Mike Paxman (Status Quo producer)

 Radio Stations

"Epic performance"
Martime Radio - Clive Richardson

'Album of the week' Blues UK -  Ian McKenze
 

Reviews

Americana UK - Bryan Bance

Hailing from Essex, UK, Victoria's Big Easy release their debut studio album, What The Tide Took Back, and it's a gem. It's a collection of nine smouldering acoustic blues numbers that showcase the powerful vocals of Victoria Skingsley-Bartholomew and the inspired guitar playing of Chris West. The album begins strongly with the gospel-like, shuffling blues of Take Me Down (Freedom), and it's immediately apparent that Skingsley-Bartholomew has a natural feel for the blues, and the acoustic format allows her assured vocals to stand out. I'll Be The Devil is equally strong and features some wailing harmonica and a buoyant bass pattern to guide the proceedings. Throughout, her vocals are front and centre, well as they should be, but the band do their part by providing some understated musical support. The backing is spot on, and the band always seem to find just the right groove and arrangements to complement the vocals. The laid-back acoustic ambience of Green Grass Mountain gives it a traditional-sounding feel, while the sultry blues chug of Playing Me A Fool shines the spotlight on Skingsley-Bartholomew's expressive singing. The final number, Gonna Take That Train, shows the band's, and Skingsley-Bartholomew's in particular, natural affinity and affection for early Delta Blues, concluding a delightful album from start to finish.