CLOSER TO THE FIRE

Debut album an anthem to survival and hope. (Review by Caroline Smart)

Krystle T (Krystle Temmerman) recently released her debut album Closer to the Fire. Also an actress with a flair for comedy, she was recently seen as one of the Ugly Sisters in the Playhouse Company’s festive season production of Cinderella.

Resigning from her day job for Idols in 2009 and making Top 35, Krystle started the journey of making an album while performing in musical plays and supper shows. Her dreams of getting her album recorded hit numerous glitches and delays until she found the right team at Face Studios In Westville with John Ellis as producer and doing bass, Greg Bedford as engineer and guitarist; Josh Klynsmith on drums and Tammy Saville on back-up vocals.

The title track Closer to the Fire was prompted by a comment by a friend to sit closer to the bonfire at her housewarming. The lyrics represent her frustration of the time in managing a theatre and the pain of coming out of a relationship.

The first number on the album, the upbeat Happy (“Is that a crime?”), is my favourite and sets the scene for the rest of the tracks to come. They all talk of survival, of moving on and staying true to oneself.

Go On is what Krystle T calls “My Angry Song!” and focuses on the response to catching out your loved one cheating on you. It ends with a delicious shout of triumph!

The Lesson was written for a 13 year-old pupil of Krystle’s when she was a music teacher. It offers a message of hope and encouragement to trust in the future.

You’ll Know is a duet with Melanie Lowe who wrote the piece which offers advice and encouragement on a chosen path.

Melanie Lowe and Krystle Temmerman will perform from February 9 to 12 at the Stirling Theatre in the Italian Club in Durban North (along Fairway near the Beachwood Golf Course). Tickets R80pp. Take your own picnic or snacks but the venue offers The Italian Club’s optional a la carte menu for patrons wishing to eat, and a fully stocked bar at affordable club prices. There is plenty of secure parking. Bookings 076 786 1127 or email bookings@stirlingtheatre.co.za (Regret no credit card facilities) More information at www.stirlingtheatre.co.za

Krystle T is now signed to Mellow Music Record Label. See http://www.mellowmusic.co.za – Caroline Smart