Enjoy the new single from Manningtree-based singer-songwriter Ben Brown. Quite simply, this song – and the way Brown performs it – is joyful. Upbeat and catchy, ‘Blue’ will bring a smile to your face. Brown’s vocal is smooth and ranges high, following an absorbing, flowing tune that feels fresh yet familiar.
Thanks to a chance meeting with Frank Turner at a barbecue, where Brown was performing some songs for Turner’s neighbour, he found himself recording in Turner’s garden studio. Those same songs, performed previously with just a guitar, were embellished with percussion and layered vocals, transforming them into something new.
Brown says of the recording sessions: “Many laughs were had at the recording and listening back to the performances you can really hear how comfortable I had become in Frank’s garden studio. At lunch time – Frank would cook me his signature dish … Pasta Surprise – which is apparently the only thing he can cook. Being a good producer is as much technical prowess as it is communication and personal skills. Frank has both of these. The songs themselves are sort of vignettes in my head – when I sing them, I can picture a scene. The way the camera would move, the grain of the film. I believe them to be well crafted – both structurally and melodically – they are more understated than my previous work, there is no loud drum kit or over-driven guitar to hide behind. For me, this is more vulnerable, and to be honest more exciting!”
‘Blue’ is the title track from Brown’s brand new EP, which was produced by friend and mentor Frank Turner, with whom Brown will be touring this summer. Full of wit, wry observations and stories, a Ben Brown show is highly recommended – the way he performs is absolutely delightful. The new EP is out now and well-worth checking out – could be your summer soundtrack.
