Beginning with delicate acoustic guitar and plucked violin, ‘Where I Roam’ from Charlie Sherbourne & the Nightbirds immediately draws listeners into its heartfelt message of love. As the song and the feeling grow, traditional Irish folk fiddle player Andrew Degnen supplies soaring notes, while mandolin player James Dumbleton delivers a stunning, swift-fingered solo with urgency and precision. Over these swelling sounds and rich layers, Sherbourne’s emotive vocal rises up, clear and pure and absorbing. Striking three-part harmonies lift Sherbourne’s voice further, and the result is gently compelling.
Canadian engineer John McClaga has created a warm, welcoming sound by recording live with just room mics and no overdubs, and mastering to quarter-inch Ampex tape. The accompanying video, shot at Hog ‘N’ Shots Bar, finds the trio together, playing with joyful, melodic freedom. The band say: “‘Where I Roam’ is a song about a free spirit reconciling a penchant for revelry with the call of home,” and the song highlights that internal conflict, set against the Nightbirds’ sweet harmonies and tumbling melodies.
Releasing music on their own Howboy Cat Records label, the trio’s songs are influenced by intricate folk arrangements, lyrical narratives of everyday life and irresistible melodies. Look out for more singles and live performances from the trio – a band to watch.
