Left is a collage of early Dave and Boo clippings when they were called the Reactors.

Click here to read it. Particularly have a look near the bottom left of the page at the Sounds clip... it's quite funny!

Bothy Folk Club, Southport 7th Feb 2010

If there were any justice in the music world, or any other sphere for that matter, Dave and Boo would be up there on main stages worldwide. The dichotomy is that such a raised profile would take away from the responsive and intimate atmosphere that you only get in small acoustically-based venues such as the Bothy. A memorable night and hugely enjoyable.
If Southport at large knew that this quality of music-making existed on its doorstep, it would be beating a path along Park Road West every Sunday. Sssh-hh then, (he said ironically) we don't want to share this secret around too much do we?!

Ram Club, Guildford

2002: Dave & Boo were in superb form on their debut here a year ago, pushing closing time and landlord tolerance to its limits with a storming set. Acoustic rock, folk and blues at its best, with a sackful of great homespun songs, Dave’s wonderful guitar, sublime harmonies and those soulful vocals from one of the best female singers we’ve had here

2004: Twenty years ago, he met musical partner Boo, who has one of those great voices that blends rock, folk, soul and jazz into her own unique style. In the Eighties they went electric and they rocked. Now they’re happily acoustic again, performing some great original songs with guitar playing of the highest order

Chanticleer Folk Club, Dorking

A long-standing musical partnership that is entirely original and in a class of its own in contemporary folk music. Their gentle singing, easy listening and tasty, often unique guitar work puts them up there among the best and always delights their many fans.

Wivenhoe Folk Club, Colchester

Intoxicating harmony vocals. Terrific guitar. Stunning songs.

Cambridge Folk Club

Dave is known for his unique guitar style and Boo for her great voice and exceptional bass playing. Some great original, sensitive and subtle songs, with guitar playing of the highest order. 'Acoustic rock, folk and blues at its best'.

Tudor Folk Club, Amersham

Their songs are beautifully written and superbly sung, with remarkable textures and harmonies. Their material is always uplifting, with ample opportunities for harmonies or to just to sit dumfounded by their musical mastery.
Top class guitar, top class songs, top class harmonies. Top class.

Faversham Folk Club

Boo handles most of the vocals while Dave plays virtuoso guitar and banjo including highly individual 12-string tuned to fifths instead of the octaves.

Stortfolk, Bishops Stortford

Superb Jansch type guitar & powerful vocals with a touch of expert banjo, seasoned with the blues and just a dash of ragtime. They don't rock the joint, show off or try to overpower the audience - Dave & Boo are just really really good musicians. They combine a repertoire of Dave's songs with a bit of older material, a gentle sense of fun and sensitive variations of pace & style. Not your average folkies.

Crystal Folk Club, Birmingham 25th Feb 2011

Dave Ellis and Boo Howard were our guests on this particular Friday evening and what a great evening it was too. Dave and Boo had come to us recommended by one of our regular crowd who had seen them at a Folk Club in Kent whilst visiting there and came back raving about them. They are two very talented people with great musicianship, tight harmonies and some wonderful material, mainly written by the pair themselves. I have had some really good feed back, enough to say that I will definitely be asking them to give us a return visit in the not too distant future.

Rock n Reel live review 6th Feb 2010

Having waited the best part of ten years to catch up with Dave Ellis & Boo Howard in a concert setting, I’m happy to report that my patience was well rewarded. Based in London, this was the duo’s first significant foray North, far beyond the pair’s regular South East of England touring circuit. Playing selections from their handful of exquisitely crafted, self-released CDs (since 2001’s duo debut Maybe I Might Fall), it was immediately clear from the opening number that the thirty years these guys have worked together are distilled into a fine art.

Ellis writes most of the songs – beautifully rendered and affecting ballads, laconic observations from life’s theatre of the absurd, and laugh-out-loud ruminations such as ‘Internet Blues’ and ‘Stuff’ (the latter with its neatly inserted, amusing Beatles reference…‘All you need is stuff’, though the Etal audience was also privy to the baptism of Howard’s vibrantly healthy new “baby”, ‘River Runs Deep’.

Like a laid-back Gregson & Collister, the pair shared the vocal spotlight, offering nicely contrasting tones and rather splendid harmonies, while the musicianship from both was classily understated unless required otherwise. So why have you never heard of Dave Ellis & Boo Howard? Because, of course, there’s a veritable deluge of fine music, at a variety of locations old and new, attempting to attract your attention. And because they don’t get out nearly as much as they ought to, though that should begin to change for them this year, so pay attention all you club promoters and festival bookers.

R2

Some twelve years on from their Maybe I Might Fall debut as an acoustic duo, London-based Dave Ellis & Boo Howard have released what is certainly their most polished and rewarding collection of self-penned songs yet. They’ve been working together, in fact, for more than three decades now and it shows in their material and performances.

Songs are intelligently constructed, elegantly articulated and never less than entertaining. ‘Serenades & Masquerades’ reminds me of Paul Simon’s One Trick Pony in the quality of its songwriting, wee-small-hours mood and heart-on-sleeve lyrics. ‘Loneliest Man In The Western World’ is a downbeat tale of dashed hopes and dreams while ‘… all of the time, life goes on’.

Elsewhere, the album’s title track scratches its head in bemusement at the absurdities of modern life, ‘I’ll Be With You’ and ‘Some Day’ conjure late-night listening moods and, by way of contrast, banjo-propelled ‘Don’t Desert Me’ offers a nudge and a wink in its bluegrass-influenced strut.

The fourteen tracks on Stuff serve as a perfect advertisement for this supremely talented duo. The songs are at the heart of it all, wonderfully served by imaginative and stylish arrangements and by the singing and playing of two seasoned, wholly in tune musicians. Indeed, Dave Ellis & Boo Howard’s latest album immediately qualified itself as my album of the year. Great Stuff!

Dave White

Taplas

These two have quite a track record, having played together for over 30 years, and this is their fifth together.

This gently understated album of their own original Americana-esque songs has an easy pace. Boo Howard's breathy vocal harmonies complement Dave Ellis' smoothly slapped 'n' picked acoustic guitar and come together for a mellow sound that helped them stand out enough to receive national airplay.

With keyboard, bass, cajon and even a sparrow included on the tracks, you'll find yourself moved without stirring from your easy chair. It's perhaps ironic to name your album after a song about having too much 'Stuff', but some 'Stuff' is worth having.

Andy Piper

Rock'n'Reel

The fourth CD release from this London based duo, the follow-up to 2004's Amber, sees the pair continue to hone their sound to subtle but stylish effect. Working out of their home studio and rarely straying from their London stamping ground, Dave Ellis and Boo Howard are a perfect example of the UK music scene's 'buried treasures' - DIY style artists who are focused more on the music than the business and who, as a result, are far less prominent than other - perhaps less deserving - performers who know how to hustle and make a bit of a fuss.

The duo's songs and music, mainly gentle, laid-back and relaxing, is the sort of thing that fans of, say, James Taylor, would very likely appreciate. It's a classy, polished sound, testament to the pair's familiarity with the recording process and of their ability to write and perform at a level every bit the equal of their major label peers. Ellis had some success as a solo artist in the 70s, even making it as far as a string of prestigious support slots and an Old Grey Whistle Test appearance on the strength of his debut album (recently reissued). His seasoned musicianship clearly plays a major role in achieving their attractive and deceptively simple sound, while the vocal harmonising further ensures that it's all immediately likeable stuff. Yes, you may not find yourself playing air guitar along with it but, after a hard day at the office, it's just the ticket.

George Clapperton

Songbook

Now here's something special. No hype being generated... thus no critics falling over themselves to be cool as they admire the musical equivalent of the emperor's new clothes. Instead, real talent. Oh and no 'proper' record company (the pair's Doghouse Records is more mongrel than pedigree) throwing money at the music glossies, so no cover features or fawning interviews either. All of which means you're going to have to search this one out for yourself or hope they play an intimate little venue near you soon.
It's sad, but true ... the likelihood of you stumbling across this fine collection of songs from London duo, Dave Ellis and Boo Howard, is otherwise slim indeed. So, something rotten in the state of Denmark then? Yes, but we all knew that anyway. It still doesn't make it any more acceptable when mediocre talents are lauded universally, afforded priceless radio airtime, valuable column inches and shelf space in the high street chain stores while the genuine article goes neglected or downright ignored.

Of course, it's more than just Ellis and Howard - performers who, by rights, ought to have earned all that and more with an impeccable selection of performances of 'Amber', a mellow and mellifluous follow-up to their even more downbeat 'Maybe I might Fall' - who suffer from such general short-sightedness in media-land.

Ellis, in fact, snatched what he presumably hopes was his first fifteen minutes' worth of fame back in the 70s with a debut on Sonet Records and appearances on Old Grey Whistle Test and the like before fading from the public eye, but has persevered long enough since to deserve another quarter hour, at the very least.

Musical partner Boo provides the perfect foil to Ellis's intelligently worked songs and guitar playing. His attractive 'English blues' voice is complemented by Howard's own quite regal delivery of the consistently entertaining, stimulating and incisive lyrics.

With 'Amber', Dave Ellis and Boo Howard have released as satisfying a collection of songs as any I've heard in many a year. It might not dazzle you with its brilliance, for it's an album of more subtle pleasures than that, but nor will its sheen tarnish with the passing months. Here you simply get great songs, beautifully performed. Not so very long ago that used to be enough.

[George Clapperton]

Taplas

The second album from guitarist Dave Ellis and vocalist Boo Howard (Amber, Doghouse DGHCD523) shows them to be considerable songwriters and performers of the Gregson/ Collister school of contemporary folk. Hardly earth shattering, but their blend of gentle ballads and bluesy guitar workouts marks them out as a class act.

Natural Acoustics

Intoxicating harmony vocals, terrific guitar playing and stunning songs …the debut album from London-based Dave Ellis and Boo Howard was a beautifully understated delight from start to finish. Their classy collection of original songs (plus a handful of tunes), released on the pair's own Doghouse Records label, was also more than reminiscent of that earlier inspired partnership - Clive Gregson and Christine Collister! With 'Amber', they've just got even better!

There might be some who remember Dave from his days as an itinerant guitarist and songwriter back in the 70s, working the circuit alongside the likes of Gordon Giltrap, Keith Christmas and John Martyn. A Dave Ellis solo album (released on Sonet Records) earned him national exposure via appearances on the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test and In Concert shows. From the folk clubs he found himself graduating to support slots for the Edgar Broughton Band, at London's Rainbow Theatre, and Rod Stewart, at Reading Festival. Dave was also a familiar name on the posters outside those famous bastions of the then London music scene, The Marquee and The Roundhouse. Happy days …

Eventually Dave became involved in a variety of bands and, as a result, met up with Boo Howard. The pair began to write together and individually, and the strength of their material was such that both secured publishing deals, with EMI and Epic recognising their songwriting abilities.

Some considerable time has passed since then, though Dave and Boo continued to collaborate and eventually the time seemed right for a recorded collection of their work. 'Maybe I Might Fall' was the result. It was an album of much charm, refreshing and unpretentious, and steeped in quality of 'the old school' … good songs, well sung and played; no frills or flounce!

Now, some two years down the line and a follow-up, 'Amber', makes its appearance. And it's a real gem. The pair are writing and performing better than ever and 'Amber' is a polished collection, destined to make their reputations as one of the UK's classiest folk-roots acts since … well … Gregson and Collister! Watch out for UK live dates from Dave and Boo, throughout 2002.

[Dave White]

Dirty Linen

Dave Ellis and Boo Howard are a contemporary acoustic duo from London who invite invite comparisons to the fondly remembered Clive Gregson and Christine Collister, although without quite so much doom and gloom in their repertoire. Amber, their second release, is marked by appealing voices and clean harmonies, crisp guitar work (plus touches of banjo, accordion, and keyboards), and intelligent, hopeful, sometimes wistful relationship songs. "Rocket Ship" is a meditation on change and challenges that features lush 12-string guitar accompaniment for Howard's smooth lead vocal, "It Could Have Been Me" is a sultry blues, and the delicate title track harmoniously explores the universal wish to hold onto good memories.

[TN]

FolkWorld

The English duo Dave Ellis and Boo Howard just released their second record called Amber. Dave Ellis already released his first solo record in the seventies on the Sonet label. Their first album which I never heard, has been compared with the early work of Gregson and Collister. When I compare these two duo's I'm afraid that I even prefer Ellis and Howard. The singing of Boo Howard is very intense and a bit melancholic. But the strongest part of Amber is the instrumentation. Sober and intense the instruments support the lead vocal to a higher level. Weak point of this CD would be some of the lyrics. The song Amsterdam is the best example of this. "Cos all the sex and drugs in Amsterdam can't give me inspiration like my baby can" This is almost to much to take serious, but maybe this song is meant to be cynical? Please note that I'm Dutch and born in Amsterdam so maybe you should not take me to serious Nevertheless, this album sounds fine and will hopefully find it's way to all the lovers of male/female duo folk.

[Eelco Schilder]

Dave Ellis started out in the folk clubs of Liverpool, influenced by such as Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, before heading to London in 1970 where he earned himself quite a reputation as a guitarist. A solo album in 1974 led to TV appearances on the likes of The Old Grey Whistle Test and on stage at the Marquee and Roundhouse.

He met up with singer Boo Howard in 1979 and they've been working together ever since. This recent release is something of a return to their acoustic roots and features some excellent vocals from the pair, alongside Ellis's stylish guitar work (and some banjo). All the songs (and a handful of tunes) were written by Ellis too, save for one which both had a hand in, and there is some impressive material on display.

While the Gregson and Collister comparison is perhaps the most apt, there are times when I am also reminded of Everything But The Girl's minor chord melancholia. That's no bad thing either, in my book.

The duo's vocal work is attractive and engaging and it's a confident, relaxed and well-crafted collection which really ought to win them many new friends. I imagine they'll be a great evening's entertainment down the local folk club too.

Folk London

I had absolutely no idea what to expect from the CD as Dave and Boo were unknown to me. However, I soon warmed to Dave's sensitive guitar work and to Boo's considerable vocal talents, which bring out the best of Dave Ellis's compositions.

Numbers which stand out for me are "Shadow" and "Minefield" both jointly written by Dave and Boo as well as "The Atheist's Hymn" - just Dave.

Several instrumental solos by Dave either on guitar or banjo break up the singing very pleasingly and emphasise the depth of his consummate skill, particularly on the acoustic guitar. For your copy or for further information or bookings, phone the artists on 0181 340 3215.

Folk On Tap

In the 1970s, Dave Ellis played guitar alongside the likes of Gordon Giltrap, Keith Christmas and John Martyn with solo appearances on Old Grey Whistle Test and In Concert.

Having collaborated with Boo Howard for some time, they have decided to release this collection of their songs, mostly written by Dave.

A set of predominantly laid back songs are pepped up by some quirky tunes. Both sing, both play guitar with some fine banjo picking and the sort of voices which will make for a pleasantly mellow club session although look for the barbs in lyrics such as "The Atheist's Hymn".

R2 June 2011