Review: David Sneddon and John Kielty, the Troubadour 8th November 2006: New horizons:

'When David starts to sing I’m entranced the entire set. They performed a professional set - wonderful vocals, playing and songs. John's deeper baritone alongside David’s high tenor voice. .

They performed One Old Soul, Northern Lights, God or No God, Lady Lullaby, Time, White Noise.  I enjoyed the change of pace with 'Time', when two girls came to sit in front of the small stage. I hope David may add bass and drums sometime to give the set more texture.

When I go to a David gig I never know what to expect. This was a very poignant, emotional gig and a celebration of David and John’s collaborations, yet bittersweet too. We were not to know until the last song that this was their last gig together for a while. They both seemed very, very happy – yet I am sure on reflection there were moments during the set when they must have thought of all the times on stage, their writing together and their close friendship.

They both sang and played at their best, I’ve no idea what their futures hold, but I feel very positive. New horizons beckon for both for them.
David spoke about how he was back with some new songs and how much he was enjoying these gigs and getting a good response. ‘It’s great to be back, I’ll see what happens, and I’m making an EP.' He mentioned that his song Baby Get Higher was a big hit. He’s working hard writing, recording and doing gigs. At the moment recording his EP, which will be called 'White Noise' and to be released in December.

During White Noise, John moved close to David and I got some photos. I’d no idea what an emotional gig this would be, both very happy and sad. Before WN David suddenly announced. ‘After tonight my good friend John Kielty is off to America. After the gig David simply said, ‘Thanks John.’   I hope they spent a great few days together. They have something special on stage together, a rare musical connection. John adds himself yet understands David’s music so well.

‘Kielty the writing has been great, I always knew there was reason we were mates.’ For memories of David and John I have several pages on the David site – Lyrics, photos, John’s bio and also on the Martians site. John has entertained and inspired us all over the last few years. I wish him every success. I hope he loves it over there, but that his heart is always in Scotland. I send him a personal thanks. It’s rare to find a musical connection like this and I know they will keep writing together. John is a stork in the water. He believes in hard work, and patience and when the right fish comes along, be ready to pounce. Best of luck John.
*(John is moving to a suburb of San Francisco on January 28th. He is playing Aladdin in panto at the Kings theatre in Glasgow.
His Sundowe musical which will start rehearsals in September 2007.)

As I arrive back in Glasgow the sun is low over the hazy varied skyline of the city, and I hope I will see them perform again together and enrich each other’s music. There’s an golden glow in the sky, it’s one of those fresh autumn days for walks over the fallen golden leaves. It’s a time of new beginnings.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PS Just had a post from David saying they may do more gigs next year - maybe John will beam in from Mars! who knows they may even write that collaborative album online! 
You make it sound like that's it forever!! Don't panic! John and I are already talking about more gigs. I'll work with someone else while he's away but that's not us done... not by a long shot... ;-) x

After the Gig:  David talked about going over to American to write with John and how travelling can inspire writers. How small Britain is. How when SLTL was number one here, it seemed such a big deal, but seeing artists like Nate and others, and their success worldwide opens up new horizons. David is working very hard and is busy recording. He was in high spirits and said he might have written his best ever song, and that John was instantly impressed with it. He has a total of 4 songs doing really well worldwide, one for a pop star in America. This puts him a good place for the EP. He felt he performed really well at the Troubadour gig.

Postscript - In 2003, David included John’s soulful Long Time Coming on his album Seven Years Ten Weeks. They continued writing together in 2004. When John sent David lyrics such as Only a Boy, David came up with a perfect emotional melody. They also collaborated on Hiding from Me. On SYTWs - OK, Follow Me, Bluebird and Neverland are also David and John co-writes.
In 2003 John went on tour with David’s band and shared his Penthouse flat.
David and John started the Martians band together in 2001. They met doing a play, John was acting Juliet's father and David was Romeo. 'David got my daughter killed so I thought I'd be his mate!' After doing acoustic gigs at the Tron in Glasgow in 2001, they enjoyed the gigs so much they decided to start a band together and called themselves The Martians. Their music has lyrical harmonies and memorable melodies. They are a strong musical partnership, writing and performing together since starting the Martians in 2001.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*David new songs - It’s as if the music flows through David’s fingertips onto the piano and out through his emotional voice. David’s songs are strong growers with many layers and I never get tired of them. He draws from the 60s and writes songs with gripping melodies and moving storylines.

One Old Soul: Powerful vocals showing David’s full vocal range. ‘If I’m not your lover, I’m just another ordinary boy.’ About how we can be so close to someone we can become as one old soul.

Insomnia: Like rain patter on the windows, Insomnia speaks of the pain of loss, how it never really leaves us and hits us at odd moments. Deep and moving vocals.

White Noise: An optimistic, hopeful song about the importance of love, with rich vocals. A very commercial song.

God or No God: A spiritually profound song. We may have different religions or no religion, but we are all one.’ They call us to the streets,…’We’ll stand as one.’ Written about the 7/7 London bombings.

Northern Lights: Pictures of flying in over the lights of Glasgow shining below, as David returns to his hometown, where his family and friends live. ‘I’m here for you’ Wonderful harmonies . A fan favourite.

Lady Lullaby: LL soothes and croons, with soft vocals on the verse and the release of David’s high tenor on the chorus. About David’s long time girlfriend El, who helps to keep him grounded. A beautiful ballad.

No More Words: A haunting song, carries the deep pain of life’s awful downs…’ As your drawn up to the sun.. let your fears fade away.’ When there are no words anymore.. A very very special song.

Not Your Son: Running over a nervous anxious piano, about the pressures, perhaps about the fans (?) and our constant expectations.  A strong melody and harmonies. ‘We’ll be alright, You’re going to drive me away from all this.’

Time: Over a strong rhythm this song is about how time can pass us by, when we are young time seems to drag and suddenly it has passed us by.