ON THE SCENE
Just Folks MIRIAM BALANESCU HEADS TO THE GOLDEN HIND TO SPEAK TO LEGENDARY LOCAL LYRICISTS KIMBERLEY REW AND LEE CAVE-BERRY THE CAMBRIDGE SOUND
ntegral to the Cambridge music scene since the 70s, Kimberley Rew and Lee Cave-Berry – musically and matrimonially united – share a
27 MAY
hallowed reputation. The tunesmith behind cherished tracks Walking on Sunshine and Love Shine a Light (penned while a member of Katrina and the Waves), Kimberley first met Lee, an accomplished bassist, in 1977. Since officially getting together in 1988 when Katrina and the Waves parted ways, the couple have collaborated on 11 albums. Lee started with backing vocals and playing bass on Kimberley’s solo projects, when they realised they could take the partnership further. “We noticed our voices blended very well, as they are both quite soft,” says Lee. “We used to write songs separately, then work them up, but now we’re actually doing the creative process together,” Lee continues. Their latest album, Purple Kittens , combines their passions, genres varying from song to song – spanning Indian classical music influences to an Americana approach. Kimberley defines their music as pop “free from the constraints of physical time”. “We were the rock ’n’ roll generation and we try to be true to the original spirit of the music,” says Kimberley. “Time is working in our favour, because people keep going back to the 60s and 70s. There hasn’t been a classic album era since then.” Purple Kittens launched off a prior success, Miles of Smiles . “That album with the picture of a cat always sold out. We made an album called Cute Fluffy Kittens , as we thought we must have more cats, then we made another called Purple .” Both names were taken, so their management suggested they blend the two. Cats are a recurring theme. “They’re an endless source of inspiration,” says Kimberley, while Lee adds: “When you live with a cat, they are a key part of your life.”
ALL THE SOUNDS Kimberley and Lee’s music hops genre and mood
inception, and judge the Cambridge Band Competition’s Songwriting Prize. Founded in 1964, the Cambridge Folk Club occupies a tent at the Cambridge Folk Festival every year; the festival’s former organiser, Ken Woollard, was also the club’s president. “It’s important to encourage grassroot and young performers, as well as those who are more established,” says club programmer Marion Treby. “This variety keeps our audiences happy, too.” “The club is a place where performers know they will be valued,” continues Marion, describing the city’s thriving folk scene. “Brooks Williams refers to it as his ‘home club’. It has helped to promote the careers of local artists such as Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage and Chris Fox.” Of Covid-19, she says that virtual gigs have broadened the club’s horizons, enabling them to invite performers from the US, Germany and France. The Cambridge music scene is diverse and rich – yet can be difficult to tap into, Lee says. “You can be a musician in Cambridge and have all your friends, then find out there’s a whole different bunch. It’s quite genre-oriented.” For the duo, whose work embraces a rainbow-like spectrum of styles and sounds, they have happily bridged the gap between genres – see them at The Golden Hind on 27 May.
Their sadly deceased feline, Boots (who didn’t like Kimberley), and their current, Diddley, are often paid tribute to lyrically. In keeping with Kimberley’s best- known hit, a sunny positivity shines through the pair’s music. “Kimberley’s songs are a force for good,” says Lee. “I’m far more likely to write a positive song now than I used to be. Lots of people write negatively – it’s actually not as easy to write a positive song.” Counting Bob Dylan, Carole King and James Taylor among their influences, Kim and Lee will soon be performing at the Cambridge Folk Club, which has made The Golden Hind its home. Lee grew up in Cambridge, while Kim studied archaeology at the university. On being in a medley of bands over the years, Kimberley says: “It’s given me everything I’ve got: all my friends, learning to play the guitar and security.” Kim and Lee have been the house band of John Wright’s Wednesday Sessions since its
SUNNY POSITIVITY SHINES THROUGH THE PAIR’S MUSIC
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK MAY 2022 37
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