More than 20 years ago, she played bass for Joby and the

Hooligans, a notorious Brighton punk band that evolved into the

Chefs, who were favourites of the late John Peel, who played

their single 24 Hours constantly, making it an indie hit. After the

demise of The Chefs, Helen formed Helen and the Horns,

shifting from bass to guitar and unusually, accompanying her

songs only with a 3-piece horn section, and no bass or drums.

Again, Peel was fascinated, and they recorded three sessions

for him, signing to RCA records shortly afterwards. Helen took

a break to raise her family, before an accidental encounter three

years ago put her back on the stage as a solo performer,

complete with pistachio-green Gretsch and a clutch of brand

new songs. Her debut album as a solo artist, Suburban

Pastoral (Big Song) was well received, impressing everyone

from Bid of the Monochrome Set ('classy') to the Mad Professor

('Dreaming of you!What a song! Very hypnotic). Poetry and
Rhyme features guitar playing from Martin Stephenson, bass

playing by Gina Birch, sax from former Horn Paul Davey and

some extraordinary fiddle playing from cult folk fiddle player Elle

Osborne, supporting Helen's semi-acoustic guitar and vocals;

songs range from the mystical 'Properties of Chalk and Sun'

and 'Memento Mori' to the rousing 'Screaming'. The release will

be supported by live gigs around the UK.
An album written and recorded with Martin Stephenson follows

shortly.

An album full of delightful and beautifully sung tunes - Julian

Lewry, Farncombe Music Club