This month we take an closer look at the Cambridgeshire based duo ‘SPEED LIMIT’.
Tony Kolleng originates from a musical background, his father was an accordion player and his brothers played various other instruments, the Kolleng household was continually filled with music as the family held regular jam sessions together. Eventually, and carrying on the family traditions, the brothers Kolleng founded the county band Southern Breeze. The band became well traveled, and equally well respected, especially for their covers of the top Haggard and Jennings material of the day.
Surprisingly Tony’s own earliest influence was Chuck Berry, but when it comes to steel playing then Ralph Mooney remains his favourite.
Angie was born in Calne, in Wiltshire; most or her family still live there today. All in her family were singers, especially Grandma who sang opera, and they regularly gathered round the family piano which her father played.
No doubt this early musical experience helped to mould her into the singer that she is today, despite still having youthfulness on her side she has a wealth of experience behind her.
She started her singing career by first joining the middle of the road band Streem who were based in Germany, they played extensively on the Continent.
In spite of three very successful years with Streem Angie yearned to be back On English soil, so she made the break and returned to front a showband called Phoenix where she was to stay for the next 12 glorious years.
Judith Durham was the main influence in her life, and the most magical memory of all is or the time that Angie actually saw her in a live performance.
Tony and Angie decided to form Speed Limit at the end of 1993, it proved to be such a good move that only 12 months later it saw them turning fill-time professional.
The working set-up now is that Angie’s clear and powerful vocals are supported by Tony’s distinctive and talented pedal steel playing. He also writes and prepares their backing music which is all transferred to the latest in disc technology: this draws on his earlier acquired skills on other musical instruments.
With an almost full diary for this year, and a 1998 diary that is already fast approaching a bursting at the seams scenario, they consider themselves very lucky that in the flirt instance they both very much enjoy what they are doing; and perhaps even more important is the fact that the general public have taken them to their hearts in the way that they have.
One highlight so far was in 1995 when they played for A large party of visiting Americans, in Northampton, which included members or the 24 hour county radio station KVOO. Speed Limit’ part of the show was televised on Anglia Television. and with the help of a BT link they were heard performing two numbers live in the six American States which KVOO cover.
In date Tony and Angie have cut two albums, both in cassette form. Their debut album Say Hello! was released in ‘95, it received considerable airplay and proved a good seller at gigs.
As a follow-up they released ‘Raincheck’ last Octobers. the self penned title track is much sought after by the dancing fraternity especially, it has received glowing press reviews and lots of radio air time all over the county.
Now plans are afoot to release a further album, both in cassettes and CD format, in the summer months; as well as cover numbers it will also be made up of some more original material from their own pen.
Following numerous inquires from interested parties two devoted fans are in the process of forming the Speed Limit Fan Club; it is hoped that it will also be launched this year.
The big bonus that goes with their job is meeting and making new friendships with so many people all over the country, from promoters, country music fans, fellow artists, and representatives of the country music press.
However there is still nothing to give them greater pleasure than when they announce one of their own numbers and the audience joins in to sing-along with them, it’s a rewarding feeling that they actually know and enjoy Speed Limit’s own songs.

Barry Thistleton
Special Feature Review for COUNTRY MUSIC Round-up July 1997

I have known Angie and Tony Kolleng (Speed Limit) for a few years now. and if I was to say that this due impressed me from WORD GO then it would be an understatement. Why? You may ask:
Well the first thing you notice about this very talented couple is their on stage and off stage personality and appearance. On stage Angie has full control over the humorous banter that goes on between songs whereas Tony's facial expressions say it all without him actually moving his lips.
Their stage presentation is always of smart appearance with changes between sets.
Offstage Angie and Tony always have a smile and cheerful 'hello' for everyone they meet and have the uncanny knack of Making friends Out Of Strangers (to coin a well-known song)
Their unique and personalised style is achieved by them writing and arranging their own backing material which compliments Angie's crystal clear and powerful voice in such strong ballads as Everything I Do I Do It for You and I Swear, to the more uptempo numbers such as Sold and Tear Stained Letter.
Tony lakes a lot of stick from Angie onstage but this does not deter him from playing his pedal steel guitar with such precision and perfect timing that it has to be heard to be believed. After fifteen years of pedal steel Tony has now gained another string to his bow, (pardon the pun), by playing his Godin Guitar on such numbers as Leanne Womack's The Fool and Wynonna's Tell Me Why.
Their wide range of material covers all aspects or Country music from the old to the more modern with something in their repertoire to suit everyone's taste be it in Concert Style or Line Dancing.
Their talents do not only lie in singing and playing but also in writing their own material. Two out or their three self penned songs have been used as the title tracks for 'RAINCHECK’ and 'SEASONS' cassettes. The other song called 'Roller Coaster of Love' is also on their 'SEASONS' cassette.

Dave Walker
North Country Music magazine

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