BERMUDA hides a treasure trove of amateur music talent, ranging from the seasoned veterans from the Big Band days to the guy who builds complex rhythms on his computer.

This scribe embarked on a quest to find some untapped local talent and, lo and behold, I didn't have to look far, as my latest addition contained the Val Wallace CD entitled Never Tell Them Why.

Many sceptics quip that the local music scene is on life support, but I would beg to differ after listening to Wallace's latest offering which has given the local industry a much needed shot in the arm.

The 12-song CD has the crossover appeal, which would make it at home in the country music, soft rock and ballad categories.

The tracks All or Nothing Girl, You Were Easy, Not the Lovin' Kind and Lovers have an upbeat country flavour as opposed to the sappy tear-jerkers many of us are all to eager to pigeon hole country music as.

The other songs are ballads, such as The Other Day, which retells a traditional story, while Butterfly explains why some, ahem, men never grow up.

Tricia and Whiskey in the Morning evolved from concerns about social issues. While social issues are always good to address and be resolved, Wallace has managed not to allow this to isolate social ills to our fair shores.

"The other songs Don't Talk Back and Right As Rain address the sorts of relationships women should get out of as soon as possible. My Open Spaces calls on the community to care about the future of Bermuda and is an interactive song that can be used for teaching children the joys of the outdoors. The Letter is about families and change," said Wallace as she summed up the content of her album.

Val also praised the amount of airplay and positive feedback on her album.

"Some say that the local music scene is not supported, but I cannot say that. I have been lucky to have my album played on two of the major local radio stations."

Several years of performing experience have paid dividends for Val and it is evident in this long- awaited CD.

I had the privilege to hear Val perform at the Folk Club. She is no stranger to the local music scene with some two decades of experience to her credit.

Dennis Eldridge, another Folk Club mainstay, lends his expertise on the guitar along with a host of talented musicians.

The next live session at the Folk Club is set for tomorrow and those who want to see what is on tap at the club can log on to the club's site, www.folkclub.bm