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Photo's   ~ MEDIA  2000 release  ~

 

Middle Image are Jackie and Chris Bell, they have just completed their Debut Album "Beginning to End". Based on the trails and tribulations of a relationship, the Album and the music were inspired by: Jackies sensational Lyrics, which reflect much of her life. The Album follows the high's and lows of a relationship, and in the 14 tracks on the CD, a couple meet, fall in love, fall apart, separate, reflect, and eventually 'find a way' to make it work. There is a strong message here, and almost every aspect of a relationship has been covered in these beautiful songs, that have catchy melodies and memorable hooks. Both Jackie and Chris have a share of the songs, although Jackie sings the greater part, with Chris harmonizing on all tracks. Their vocal performances are further enhanced by Chris's  unique Guitar work and the rich sound of their Backing Music, with full arrangements and colourful harmonies. Their Sound has sometimes been loosely compared to that of the Carpenters.

 
 
 

Jackie Bell was born in Christchurch New Zealand, the fourth of seven children, and was married and a mother at the age of sixteen. After the long  marriage to her first husband ended, she met Chris in 1990 at a Karaoke Competition he was hosting. She won the competition and Chris's heart, then after raising a small family with him, they formed Middle Image in the winter of 1995. Middle Image began touring the South Island of New Zealand during 1996, and shortly after this, Jackie began writing her songs and  lyrics. The first song was a composition called 'Just for me', which really showed her talents and potential. Together with Chris, they developed the songs, and soon began to perform them in their Shows. After a tape demo of  "Enoughs Enough" was played on local radio, the interest it generated, including stories run in all the regional newspapers, spawned the idea to continue with the song writing and to add the "Beginning to End" theme. Shortly after this 'Just for me' was recorded using a "ping pong" method and two mini disc recorders to overlay and build the tracks, and the duo were well on their way to developing their own distinct sound. Some claim there are similarities with the carpenters, mainly in the style of the music and in the way Jackie presents her Vocals. She has continued to write lyrics and  melodies and hopes to gain recognition as a lyricist. The Album Lyrics are available here visit the Nelly Clair Web Site for Poetry top of page

 
 

Chris Bell was born in Reading, England, He began playing his music in hotels and clubs around the London area, and later toured Britain as a member of the Duo "Snowbird". In 1980/81, Snowbird toured New Zealand and the following year Chris emigrated to there to pursue his musical career. Performing mainly as a solo entertainer, Chris appeared in hotels in almost every main center in the country, and in 1987 he began hosting  New Zealand's Original Karaoke, 'The Starmaker Show'. This quickly became a success and created an immense following. After touring New Zealand for six years, Chris settled back into Christchurch and continued to run his own Karaoke. It was during a talent contest in 1990, that he met Jackie. They began to date each other and shortly after, Jackie became a Starmaker team member, until Jordan was born in 1992. Chris continued with his Karaoke until 1996 and after moving to North Otago, began to perform as a musician again, mostly in  the lower South Island. When their Son Jordan was old enough, Jackie rejoined Chris on the shows  they began performing again and "Middle Image" was born!      Chris and Jackie worked together for 14 months recording, mixing and producing the tracks for the "Beginning to End" Album, in a purpose built studio at their Totara farmlet. During this period they did not perform live, choosing instead to concentrate on developing and perfecting their sound. They have recently returned to live performances, and can include popular hits from the 60's to the present in their repertoire, as well as songs from their Album of course.  now visit:   http://listen.to/chrisbell And sample his own palatable alternative musical style. (you can return here anytime.) top