BARNETT BUZZ-WORTHY

Capitol Music Group chieftain Steve Barnett and team welcomed an enthusiastic capacity crowd of label folk and other well-wishers to hear two new acts in the Tower’s famed Studio A last night, Capitol troubadour Gavin James and Virgin chanteuse Seinabo Sey.

First came introductory remarks from EVP/GM Greg Thompson, who noted that the Grammys (where a certain Capitol artist is expected to have a particularly memorable evening) mark the end of the year for music folk, thanked everyone for an amazing prior year and expressed the hope that the evening’s performers would have a similarly impressive 2015.

CMG's Scott Greer and Michelle Jubelirer, artists Gavin James and Seinabo Sey and CMG EVP/GM Greg Thompson, shortly before getting blotto on the Barnett Buzz.

Thompson then brought out Virgin GM Ashley Burns, who introduced the artists, who’ve been out on the road together.

James, a ginger-haired Irishman with a killer falsetto, came out first; his intimate delivery, accompanied by just his acoustic guitar, captivated the crowd. It’s easy to imagine songs like “Nervous” and the charming “The Book of Love” catching fire among pop romantics.

The Swedish Sey combines the classic soul-pop vibe of Dusty Springfield and Shirley Bassey with electro-pop elements that add a layer of mystery. On standouts like “Pistols at Dawn” she displayed true command and a beautiful clarity of tone.

The crowd sipped wine as well as two house cocktails courtesy of Patrón: the Capitol Cooler and Patrón’s Barnett Buzz. The namesake of the latter beverage worked the room, as did key members of his team including Thompson, EVPs Michelle Jubelirer and Scott Greer, Burns and SVP/Head of Media Strategy & Relations Ambrosia Healy.