Gently charming, melody-rich folk reflections from Suffolk.
Suffolk-born and Colchester-based Ady Gainsborough presents his third album. Apparently inspired by life on the Essex-Suffolk border, the acoustic-based songs were recorded live in the studio, using vintage equipment with producer Nathan Wacey.
Johnson has a background in both folk music and classical guitar performance. You couldn’t say the classical influence comes through, but the folk element is very much there. You can imagine each song being written under a tree in spring, looking out across the gently rolling Suffolk landscape, cider in hand. Incidentally, this was also a lovely way to listen to the album.
Opening song Foolin’ Around (With You) introduces Johnson’s sound: gently picked guitar, a beguiling melody and a tone of wistfulness. The Old Child’s Chair continues this theme of peacefully reflecting: “Maybe I’m past my prime, to carry on the family line”. Taking the actual item and using it to view his own journey, pondering how we all got to this point in life, decisions made, corners not turned. It’s a lovely moment.
Wash Away, Blow Away, featuring Ivor Novello Award-winner Scott Matthews, is a different sound altogether, an ethereal soundscape played entirely on acoustic guitar, literally washes over you. Swing By is one of a few songs to feature additional instrumentation, which beautifully aids the flow of the album. Still very much in the folk tradition, but played with an enticing roll and supported by gently warming trumpet, Johnson wishes for one more chat with his Nan. Again, melody is king. Johnson’s voice, which sounds a bit thin on first listen, fits round these songs like a comfort blanket. Friends to the End closes the album, a paean to a lost friend departed too soon and hoping for an afterlife, a second chance. Don’t we all?
The album artwork, incidentally, painted by Johnson’s stepfather, very much paints the picture for the album: bucolic, wistful and unique.
This is one of those albums that is the very definition of a grower, slipping beneath your conscience with the melodies worming their way into your brain and happily sitting there for days. It’s a totally unexpected joy – go and find it.
