Christmas is coming and everyone loves a party and, in December, The Overtones‘ Christmas Party is coming to a theatre near you!
‘Over the last ten years we’ve learnt a thing or two about throwing a Christmas party!’ says Overtones vocalist Mike Crawshaw. ‘People come to our shows to let their hair down, get their spirits up and dance their hearts out. We will be performing classic songs from yesteryear, favourites from our albums together with plenty of surprises. We want everyone to leave an Overtones concert with a huge smile on their face and a spring in their step. This year will be our best tour yet!’
The multi-platinum-selling vocal harmony group are visiting Glasgow in December and are delighted to announce that Welsh singer and songwriter Jay James has joined the band. This heralds the start of an exciting new era for the group which has already had five Top 10 albums and nine sold out UK tours.
A former member of the Royal Navy, Jay James had enjoyed a varied recording career working with the likes of Booker T Jones, John Legend, Naughty Boy and the Jonas
Brothers, amongst others, before rising to prominence as Simon Cowell’s tip on the X Factor. Since then, Jay has continued to record and perform alongside becoming an
established broadcaster.
‘We met Jay 9 years ago,’ explains Darren Everest, ‘when we all performed on The Samaritans’ charity record Songs To Save A Life, and our paths continuously crossed over
the years. When we thought about a new member joining the band he was the first, and only, name that came to mind. Everything about Jay says “Overtone”. He has a classic style and is inspired by the same great artists as we all are. Jay has fitted in seamlessly and we can’t wait to push on and get to work.’
‘I’ve known the boys and been a fan for many years, now,’ says Jay, ‘and it has always been clear what they were all about – making great, timeless music, putting on incredible shows and enjoying life! Over the years that has never changed. I’ve been blessed to support them on a number of occasions, and I’ve witnessed the joy they bring and felt the warmth of some of the best fans I’ve ever met. To now join the group is absolute magic and I cannot wait to stand beside Darren, Mike and Mark in creating some more brilliant nights and continuing to make people smile, sing and dance for many moons to come!’
The first song to be recorded with this new line up is Earth Wind And Fire’s September.
‘We’ve been busy over the last few months and it’s been so exciting being back in the studio with Jay,’ says Mark Franks. ‘The new music is very much “classic Overtones” but with a twist. This song is a taster of what’s to come. Jay’s voice adds a new dimension, as you can hear and, as soon as we recorded it, we knew that it was the perfect fit for us four boys – feel good and uplifting, an absolute gem of a song!’
With their innate charm and adherence to vintage-modernist style, and a devotion to the timeless appeal of male vocal harmonies, The Overtones are a bridge between pre-rock ’n’ roll classicism and lively 21st century entertainment. They’ve sold over a million albums, made countless TV appearances and filled venues to capacity on tour after tour, all the while building a relationship with their fans that has real depth and devotion.
Following the release of their sixth album, The Overtones, in 2018 the accompanying sold-out UK tour took their trademark sense of celebration and party on the road with the group living up to the promise of ‘a night to remember’. That’s the tradition they come from and they’re certainly not about to stop now.
The Overtones Christmas Party is @ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Wed 11 Dec 2019