West of Eden 'Songs from Twisting River' - West of Music

Wow, nostalgia bomb! Straight back to my days in Dublin’s smoky folk clubs in the sixties and the eagerly sought vinyl of John Renbourn, The Watersons, Ewan McColl and Fairport’s Basket Of Light. This amazing six piece from Gothenberg,  Sweden have it all down pat. Most songs are written by Jenny and Martin Schaub and between themselves and the rest of the band they play all the required instruments to an enviably high standard.

This is the bands eighth album since their formation in 1995, and maybe that’s the reason for my only negative comment. I found all the tracks to be stunning, vocally, lyrically and instrumentally but all at almost the same tempo. I’m sure this band is capable of a far greater range of musical adventures then they explore on this outing. The package is graphically a treat and the band photography is way above average with the snapper in me being very jealous of the wooded autumn backdrop.

Producer Damien O’Kane jumps in occasionally on tenor guitar and banjo with some very tasty inputs from Kate Rusby, Mike McGoldrick and some unexpected 5-string banjo from Union Station’s Ron Block. All in all,  a classic folk album that is well worth a listen.

Reviews by Paul McGee

 

True North 'Self-Titled' – Self Release

The opening track on this 5-song CD sounds like something from a recent Civil Wars outtakes release. New Way Round highlights the close vocal harmonies of trio Eva Hillered, Janni Littlepage and Patrick Rydman.  Both Eva and Patrick are based in Sweden while Janni resides in California. They performed for the first time as a trio ensemble at the Copenhagen Songwriters Festival in Denmark in August 2012, Their sound is a mix of genres from Folk and Americana, to Country Roots and their songs, co-written together, are accompanied by guitars, dulcimer and percussion.

Barrelhouse 'Feels Like Home'- Self Release

After 30 years of playing electric guitar and writing songs for a full band, Kevin "Barrelhouse" Burke was inspired by a trip to Mississippi to explore finger-style acoustic guitar techniques. Feels Like Home is the result of four years of playing and writing in this style.

The songs on this album give the listener the feeling of old-time, rural America, with its dirt roads, farms, pickup trucks, roadhouses, and the trials of everyday life. This is acoustic blues played in a refreshing and simple style and many of the arrangements are reminiscent of JJ Cale.

The vocals are confident and gritty while the instrumentals show off the great slide playing on Dobro and various guitars.

Barry Ollman 'What’ll It Be?' - Blue Colorado

As debut CD’s go, this one is a real treat. The record includes fine performances by musical greats Graham Nash, Gary Tallent of the E-Street Band, David Amram, Nick and Helen Forster, Rad Lorkovic, Dave Beegle, Christian Teele, among others. The production is very clean and there is a feeling of plenty of space in the fine song arrangements. I am reminded of James Taylor in the song stories that are unfurled by Bill Ollman as he sings of an old photographer’s life (Imogen’s Lament) and life on the road as a painter (Painting the West). There are strong hints of Al Stewart also in the guitar playing and the addition of trumpet, accordion, mandolin and lap steel across the ten songs lends a diverse feel to the whole. Recommended.

Jonathan Segel 'Shine Out' - BMI

Jonathan Segel is a composer, performer and multi-instrumentalist. He plays guitar, violin, computer, keyboards, electric bass and this CD was recorded entirely in a little cabin somewhere in the middle of Sweden. He has made several guitar-centric rock music CDs and resides in a world of improvisation and electronic music. A very interesting listen but one thing for sure; this is a long way from Country Music.

Deena 'Rock River' - Life Force

A blend of alt country and indie pop, Rock River is the second CD from Deena. Produced by Deena and Bob Friedman, who plays an array of instruments, the sound is upbeat and full of personality. Plenty of good vocal harmony and melodic hooks are evident in songs like Find the Love and Bring It All. When I Fall has a nice country swing to it, plus some nice pedal steel playing. The twelve tracks run along at a pace and the overall experience is one of interest, if not a compelling listen.

Robinson Treacher 'Porches' - Sojourn

Starting with a gospel infused call and response song, Hopali, the tone of this release is set and the following ten songs do not disappoint. The band playing is really tight and the vocals are delivered in a passionate and soulful performance that is reminiscent of Chris Robinson and the Black Crowes. There are also hints of Ray Lamontagne in the singing but it is most definitely the voice of Robinson Treacher that carries the tracks along and lifts the arrangements. Titles like If I Need a Woman; Gone Baby Gone; Blind Man’s Blues and Can’t Call You Again give the overall vibe of the music here. Soulful, bluesy with a little bit of rock, all combine to elevate this artist from the many others who are active in this market.

Buford Pope 'Sticks in the Throat' - Unchained

Born on the Swedish island of Gotland, Buford Pope plays a mean guitar and his band of musicians really kick up a storm on the eleven songs featured on this latest release. This is straight down the middle rock music with plenty of hooks and driving beats. Think of Tom Petty locking horns with the Bob Seger Band and you get an idea of the arrangements here. Great production and a compelling, energetic groove. Worth a listen but it sure is a long way from traditional country music.

Esther Rose Parkes 'The Other Country' - Self Release

Recorded and produced in Stockholm, Sweden by Brian Kramer, this release is a collection of twelve gentle tunes played in an acoustic and intimate setting. Esther Rose sings in a voice that exudes a plaintive quality and her songs speak of loneliness and shadows; of earthiness; of unrequited love. The playing is sensitive and sparse with upright bass, cello and a variety of guitars, national slide, acoustic and 12 string, interweaving across the songs. A late night listen with a mood all of its own. Folk music for the insomniacs and melancholic dreamers.

Eryn Shewell 'Self-Titled' – Rewbie Music

Eryn Shewell is developing a reputation as one of the finest new singing talents to emerge in recent years. She has a wonderful voice and sings with a unique blend of blues and soulful, jazz based emotion. In 2012 Eryn folded The Eryn Shewell Band, after many years of touring back and forth, from the Jersey shore to Nashville, to New Orleans.  In 2013 she signed with Blue Raven Entertainment and started a new band called Eryn Shewell and the Whiskey Devils. 

She has just released this, her fourth album and Eryn's incredible vocals lift the song arrangements to great heights, never more so than on the standout Relax to Sleep, which soars and swoops in a breath-taking performance. Pat Ruth plays some very fine guitar, in addition to dobro, bass and piano and also shares production credits. Saxophones mix with trumpet and trombone; clarinet duels with harmonica in the up-tempo arrangements like I Wish I Was in New Orleans. A class act and worth checking out.

 

The Corn Potato String Band 'Self-Titled' - Agilest Music.

Fourteen tracks played on an assortment of fiddles, banjos and guitars make for a real down home, barn dance stomp. The playing is very alive and vibrant and these three musicians really do bounce off each other. We are treated to traditional old time music and string band swing but there is a lack of variety across the arrangements, leaving a number of these tunes to run into each other. Vocals on a few tracks do help to change the colour of things, but overall the impression is one of specialist music for a select audience.

Dan Cohen 'Bluebird' - Self Release

Living in Nashville, Dan Cohen states that his music is not country; so much so, that he has stopped going on the road with Country acts. Can I call him a folk singer perhaps? Songs of personal relationships are the key driver across the ten tracks produced here by Dan himself.

He continues to tour and write with Jace Everitt whilem previously, among many others, played guitar with Tracy Byrd. Given his country background and roots, it seems strange to pull away to such an extent but the artist must follow his muse and set his own path for his solo work. A nice voice and strong acoustic arrangements make this a pleasing listen.

Gregory Hoskins/ Gary Craig 'The Map of Above, The Map of Below' - Self Release

This is the fourth release from Gregory Hoskins and Gary Craig who have been playing and recording together since 2001. This disc has a raw and sparse sound and boasts guest appearances from Colin Linden, Hawksley Workman and the Beggars Virtual Choir; fans who sang their parts into handheld communication devices and e-mailed their efforts. The crowd-sourced choir is just one of the album’s charms. Come Over Me evokes a Paul Simon vibe and Feel Like a King is an atmospheric acoustic blues workout. I Will Find a Way to Let You Down is a slow lament to a relationship with one partner not able to fulfil their end of the bargain.  

Bumper Jacksons 'Sweet Mama, Sweet Daddy, Come In' - Self Release

Deeply rooted in their love for early swing, blues, and old time country, Bumper Jacksons reach back to a time when music was a spontaneous expression of street music in America.

With a Ragtime vibe and fine singing, in the best traditions of American troubadours, this ensemble of six musicians produce a sound that is full of attitude and infectious groove. Led by Jess Eliot Myhre (vocals, clarinet, washboard) and Chris Ousley (vocals, guitar, banjo, ukulele), the group paints America's story from New Orleans' brothels to the Appalachian hills. Pedal steel mixes with fiddles and trombone dances with clarinet, as we step back in time.

Their interpretation of the Tom Waits song Clap Hands is certainly arresting and channels a simple arrangement that is very different from the original. This is the third release from Bumper Jacksons, if you don’t count a few live radio sessions and the thirteen songs here are as diverse as they are interesting.

Ultan Conlon 'Songs of Love So Cruel' - DarkSideOut

This is the second release from Galway based musician Ultan Conlon. The songs are self-penned and recorded across Ireland and England, using a number of musicians, with Eoin McCann and Colin Elliott assisting on production. The sound is excellent across the various arrangements, with pleasant melodies that weave around stories of love and personal relationships; how to endure and survive the giddy ride of it all.

A Place of Sanctuary is a track that jumps out and Lonely Avenue also jumps out at the listener. The rest of the recording is played at a more laid back pace with nice guitar layering and pleasant vocals. Penultimate song The River Flows & the Woods Creep is particularly interesting with a fine vocal duet between Ultan and Sabrina Dinan. 

Warren G Hardings 'Get a Life' - Self Release

The Warren G. Hardings are a high-energy string-band from Seattle, Washington. Heavily influenced by America’s roots, folk and bluegrass heritage, they belong to a generation of young musicians that continues to evolve and adapt these acoustic traditions for the 21st century. Across eleven songs they display plenty of talent and a positive vibe in the music.

The market for this genre is overcrowded to say the least, but this band are prepared to push the boundaries and stick their collective heads above the barricades in an effort to stand out. The similarities between Irish traditional music and bluegrass are very evident and the fiddle playing of Lee Callender is particularly strong. Banjo and Mandolin also blend seamlessly and the band vocals add to the sound . There is plenty to recommend here and you will be pleasantly surprised by a fine ensemble of musicians ready to play your blues away.

Síomha Brock 'Self-Titled' - Self Release

Recorded by Matt Purcell at the Queens Hotel in Ennis, Co. Clare, the three tunes delivered here carry a easy blues swing. This artist is new to me and Síomha produced and wrote all tracks with  impressive style. From the light jazzy swing of Can’t Stop Loving You to the torch song quality of Don’t Give Up On Me, we are treated to a confident vocal performance aided by some fine guitar playing from Eoghan Judge, which adds colour to the arrangements.

Reviews by Paul McGee

 

Brandon Isaak 'Her on Earth'- Self Release Produced by famous brother Chris, this collection of acoustic blues from Brandon Isaak is a very engaging listen. There are thirteen original songs that display an impressive talent and plenty of attitude, style and swing are evident as Brandon skips across different musical genres from Ragtime, Delta Blues, Gospel, and Country. Based in Vancouver, Canada this artist is redefining the tradition of blues music in an eclectic style that merits much praise. A very fine musician and a confident performer, Brandon Isaak comes highly recommended.

California Feetwarmers - Self Release This eight-piece jazz band play a New Orleans swing sound and have a party feel that you just might find  at your local corner bar. Joyous and full of energy, the thirteen tracks here are very much rooted in the 1920’s and 1930’s, with the impression of juke joints and prohibition times. Phil Alvin guests on a number of tracks, to add weight to their credentials as a good time band to be taken seriously. Like a soundtrack to an old Hollywood gangster movie, the music generates a colourful sound with a live feel to proceedings

Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys 'Here Between' - Self Release Hailing from Michigan, this is a band that swings in the best traditions of bluegrass/roots music. With two previous full releases to her name, Lindsay Lou brings an EP of four tracks to the table and her distinct vocal is a highlight, ably supported by the understated and bright playing of her band.

Jimi Cullen 'Life' - Self Release This Wexford based singer songwriter has been on the live circuit for ten years now, releasing three full recordings to date, plus two separate EP’s. The nine songs here are all well -arranged and the production is evenly paced across the different styles, from country, to blues and folk-tinged ballads. Great to see Irish artists developing their craft and the quality of playing on these songs is impressive. Jimi Cullen plays guitar with Rick Smith supporting on guitar, Mandolin, banjo and bass. The ensemble also includes Luke Cosgrove on violin, Karen Dunbar on piano and vocals, Paddy McLoughlin on drums and Sinead O’Byrne on backing vocals.  

Tia McGraff 'Break These Chains' - Self Release With five previous releases to her name, Tia McGriff brings to this latest recording an experience that is very evident in her song-writing skills. Produced by co-writer and husband, Tommy Parham, the twelve songs here are all touched with a mature perspective. Tia has a beautiful voice that is full of emotion and sensitivity and compliments the arrangements and melodies of these songs perfectly. Stranger to Paradise and Safer Place highlight Tia’s vocal in a way that leaves the listener fully engaged and wanting more. The track, Between the Bed and the Door , is a highlight and reflects; “I just don’t know what we’ve got anymore; maybe I’m just a heartbeat between the bed and the door”. Consider me a new member of this artist’s fan club.

Kat Danser 'Baptized by the Mud' - Self Release Gospel is alive and well in this delta blues stomp. All twelve tracks bear witness to the lasting genre that has inspired so many artists over time past. Produced by the impressive Steve Dawson, the songs crackle with an energy that is one part celebratory and the other, full of tense and taut restraint. This would be a perfect soundtrack for any of the American drama series, like True Detective, where the atmosphere drips with suggestion and a deep foreboding and strange passion. Heady stuff indeed and much here to recommend. This is a fourth release for the artist dubbed Queen of the Swamp Blues and this Edmonton-based  vocalist channels the spirit of roots, blues and gospel music pioneers to great effect.

The Coals ‘A Happy Animal’ - Self Release

An LA based band with their second release, an 8 track mini-album type of thing, that displays their overall sound to good effect. The play a blend of California country/folk/roots that has obvious antecedents. But the music stands or falls on the strength of the songs and they are good. Written, bar one co-write, by singer/guitarist Jason Mandell they are memorable, punchy and crafted. Mandell also produced the album and so, to a large degree, directs the band’s journey and makes it sound like a band rather than a singer and his backing band.

The album opens with a voice of a prophet of doom for Los Angeles before we find ourselves joint the singer in looking redemption of one sort or another. From then we take a different path for Dirt Road which has the joie de vivre of a hot New Orleans night. It’s not to long before were heading down south for the mariachi trumpet of Maria. A tale of an alluring object of desire. as respite songs like Hand To Hold and Let Me Down Easy take a quieter more acoustic approach that also highlight some easy harmonies among the band. The groove for Steal My Heart is set by Darice Bailey’s piano. Throughout her keyboard skills bring different textures to the band’s sound and vision. Baseline Blues bring hints of that titular branch of roots music into the mix which only serves to highlight the diversity that the band can bring to their music. Yet they give the whole set a cohesiveness due to their overall approach and the unifying strength of Mandell’s live-in voice and love-lost songs. On the strength of this release these Coals should burn bright.

The Delines 'Colfax' - Decor

Taking a temporary break from Richmond Fontaine (who have a new album in the pipeline) Willy Vlautin has taken the opportunity to write and record some songs written with Damnations vocalist Amy Boone in mind to sing. The end result is an album of sultry country soul that has a light night laid back feel that soon finds it’s way into your head and heart. Nothing here is overplayed, rather all the songs are delivered with the confidence that comes from mutual respect. The players individual, undeniable talents are merged for a equally shared group experience.

The songs by Vlautin are his usual studies of human nature, when those humans are faced, more often than not, with having to deal with the mundanity and spiritual malnutrition that life on the line tends to offer. Yet there’s always something in his songs that offers glimmers of hope and opportunity. Boone has a voice capable of delivering the empathy that is important for these songs to work as the should. Her delivery makes every word legible so that you are carried into the heart of the proponents lives. There is something of Jimmy Webb in these songs, in the way the deal with people and place, that are at the heart of good country songwriting. Tucker Jackson’s evocative pedal steel adds much to underscore that. But they also manage to transcend genre making them appeal to those to whom country music generally is an anathema.

The other members of The Delines include bassist Freddy Trujillo, keyboard player Jenny Conlee-Drizos and Richmond Fontaine drummer Sean Oldham all bring their A game and deliver much to the overall sound of the album. Whether this is a one-off or, it is to be hoped, the first of a series Colfax is an album to savour and enjoy. Co-produced by John Askew with Oldham and Vlautin it has a warmth and fluidity that sometimes gets lost in studio polish but here the patina is of something well-worn and lived in.

Ash Gray ‘Once I Got Burned’ - Luv Rock

A solid roots outing from Ash Grey who usually records with The Girls in a more psychedelic style and who has also released previous work as Ash Grey. For instance his 7 Rocks ep of some years back does just that in classic rock style. Here on these 12 original songs Grey has gathered a wide selection of players to accomplish this musical vision for this album. Players like John Hagen on cello and pedal steel guitarist Dave Biller are just two of number of players brought in to accompany him achieve this largely 60s/70s orientated outing.

The album opens with the title track, a song that starts with Grey’s vocal giving authority to the song of lesson’s being learned. It is followed by some equally strong like Two Lane Backdrop a twangy paean to vehicular escapism. Fiddler’s Son is more minimal and has some dexterous acoustic guitar picking. Whiskey Down is straight country with the singer being advised to let “whiskey down your sorrow”. The steel is also central to Sante Fe Sand another song that hits it’s mark. The insistent melody of 55 is also a winner and highlight Ash’s overall sense of melodic structure. All are delivered by Ash’s seasoned and versatile voice. 

It is however the overall blend of different roots with hints of rockabilly, blues, country and melodic rock that makes this album work as well as it does. Grey obviously has a lot of music in him and it may be that some of his previous outings would not appeal to those taken by this album. What it does do is to confirm that Ash Grey is a musician capable of bringing his various musical visions to fruition in a way that listeners can equally be rewarded by.

The Barn Door Slammers ‘Self-Titled’ - Ruben

From the opening bars of the first song you know right were you are. You’re back in the western swing sounds of the 1940s. This seven piece play vintage instruments to recreate a sound that was happening in dance halls across Texas and beyond in post second world war America. They play in the Pacific Northwest but will be touring in the UK and Ireland next year and should be a joy to behold if you are in the least interested in hearing the music of that era recreated with energy and devotion.

The songs are a mix of classic, lesser know songs and originals. The songs that many will know who are acquainted with the music are the likes of Snatchin’ And Grabbin’, Roped And Tied, Jelly Roll Blues and Brain Cloudy Blues. If you liked the music of that era alongside current interpertations by Wayne Hancock and others like Davy Jay Sparrow or Johnny Dilks then you will, doubtless, be tapping you foot to this talented ensemble. Vocalist Bret Ervin Lien fits the bill with that slightly nasal delivery that perfectly suits the songs. Having said that there are several instrumentals here where Lien can sit down and take a breather. 

Truth is that The Barn Door Slammers are the latest in a line of contemporary exponents whose love of performing and playing western swing and jazz-tinged honky tonk is apparent to all who see and hear them. There are immersed in an earlier era musically and as such don’t pretend to be doing anything new, rather they are extending the life of musical form that will always have its ardent fans and exponents. It is never going to be the next big thing but that is beside the point. It is a music that should be heard live in a dance floor environment as much as with the recorded versions. So go slam that barn door and get up and dance.

Ollie Vee 'Lonesome Girl' - Self-Release

Not the Ollive Vee of Buddy Holly’s Rockin Around With Ollie Vee fame but rather a trio (now a quartet) whose music is none-the-less grounded in the sound of 50s rock ’n’ roll and rockabilly. They got together in their native Ontario over a shared dislike for much of the music that was then current preferring instead to write and record songs in a way that leaves you in no doubt about their particular musical preferences. Indeed Paper Hearts rocks around like the aforementioned Holly and sounds like it could have come out of a famed Lubbock Studio sometime back in the 50’s. 

Although there is no denying the inspirations and influences the band have a sound that doesn’t feel like it belongs in a dusty museum. Rather it has a sparkle that is effervescent and addictive if you are at all attuned to that particular channel on the music dial. They have a relaxed, sometimes smouldering delivery that has none of the frantic pace that is often associated with some contemporary rockabilly combos. They are about writing catchy tunes with choruses and recording them in an understated style that creeps up on you as you listen. You feel then that these songs have been around for much longer than they have. 

Ollie Vee make and play niche music that occasionally comes into vogue (Chris Isaak - Wicked Games) but usually exists outside the mainstream. Unless that are fortunate enough to have a song featured in a film or TV show that briefly shines the spotlight on their sound. That should not deter you rom checking the band out and having a listen to songs of the calibre of those included on their debut album. Looking for A Fast Time with its chugga-chugga Tennessee Two rhythm, the Orbison-esque ache of Underneath The Sparks, the r’n’b of Hip Shaking Baby, the late night twang of New Boots or the Sun stroked bass of Shinin’ Bright. That might sound like a sound that’s quite derivative and it is to a degree, a degree that may deter some looking for something sounding more contemporary, but it still stand squarely on it’s own stylistic feet.  Which suggests that this particular Lonesome Girl might make new friends rather easily.

Sam Outlaw 'EP' - Black Hills

Following on from his very fine Nobody Loves album Californian Sam Outlaw has released a five track EP which was produced by Elijah Thomson. It features Molly Jenson on harmony vocals alongside such players as Jeremy Long on pedal steel, piano and organ and guitarist Brad Lindsay on a bunch of new self written songs that continue the themes of lost love, loneliness and looking for love that encapsulates the message of the opening songs Cry For Me and Kind To Me as in “you could have been kind to me”. Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink (And Fall In Love) is a song where the steel guitar underlines the regret as he admonishes his friends for leaving him in an inebriated state in a bar to make a fool of himself in his search for something that might resemble love. 

That heartbreak is apparent in Outlaw’s voice but it is one that also has hope for the future and that has a quality that gives it an additional memorability. Outlaw fits with a long standing tradition in Californian country music and makes him the latest in a long line of those who are adhering to the notion of bringing what has come before into a place that makes sense on many levels to an audience that is looking for some authenticity in their (country) music.

It is to be hoped that this talented performer will achieve greater recognition as his music progresses but he is, like some many, trying to make the most of limited resources while flying well under the radar. Time will tell whether this Outlaw will be on the wanted list outside of his home state. But catch up with his releases to date, I don’t think you will regret making his acquaintance.