Author: Dave Clarke

Rod Picott’s pedigree is prodigious and it shows in his music. In this album, produced by Neilson Hubbard in Nashville, he is framed by standout musicians: Will Kimborough, Lex Price, Evan Hutchings and Kris Donegan. His recent tour of the UK will have re-emphasised his stature. He says of ‘Out Past The Wires’ that it is “My most ambitious project of my seventeen year career.” And “The most satisfying recording I’ve made.” Those words stress how important this work is, and also how important our appreciation and understanding of it is, as well. Continue reading “Rod Picott “Out Past The Wires” (Welding Rod Records, 2018)”

Here are two singer/songwriters from Ireland, Oisin Leech and Mark McCausland, now based in Liverpool. This is their fifth album, produced and recorded by Howe Gelb and Gabriel Sullivan (of Giant Sand fame) at the Dust and Stone Recording Studio in Tucson, Arizona. On the strength of their performance here, The Lost Brothers have secured their ascendancy in the music world. Within the words of their songs are hints, of their lives: “Another road, another town, another song/ another echo in the wind.” And what startles the listener, in the first song, is the reference to a particular place: “The Hotel St John.” The subtle, absorbing, captivating use of reference to a place. Where could that be? The Virgin Islands? Malta? Who knows? Continue reading “The Lost Brothers “Halfway Towards A Healing” (Bird Dog Records 2018)”

In Old Spanish, Arcelia means “treasure chest” which is a good way of describing the outstanding musicianship and variety of this album. Arcelia are a trio consisting of Gavin Alexander on guitar and vocals; Teresa Gallager on vocals; and Simon Foster on keys, cajon and vocals. They are supported, mostly, by Perry White on piano and Martin Elliott on bass. The first track, ‘Fallen,’ written by Gavin Alexander and Cat Bloomfield, with whom he has penned many songs, sets the tone perfectly for the collection. The implied depth of meaning “Fallen, fallen, but got up again” has a sustaining force, maintained by its harmonies. Continue reading “Arcelia “Building On The Land” (How Now 2018)”

Laura Cortese, a force already as a solo singer, has gathered around her, in Boston, other alumni from Berklee College of Music: Cellist, Valerie Thompson, fiddler, Jenna Moynihan and bass player, Natalie Bohrn. Together, they are a foursome to be reckoned with. Laura has written or has had a part in writing nine of the songs on this remarkable album. It doesn’t take long to become immersed in the music that the quartet provides. The first two tracks capture you. Continue reading “Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards “California Calling” (Compass Records 2017)”

Here is a thoughtful album that deserves your attention. Andy tells stories in his songs that are “beyond anywhere,” which are words from the first track. Rather, they present a carefully collected and memorable array of events and places. The cover and pictures on the album, and its title give some clues here. There is Andy playing his guitar, sitting above Worbarrow Bay on the Dorset coast, and on the back is the big red tractor, the monster itself. Track 7 tells of the families, who, on a mere moment’s notice were forced to leave their village of Tyneham which was then required as part of the Lulworth Range as gun and fighting practice for the Normandy landings. Continue reading “Andy Griffiths “Big Red Monster” (Musician Records 2017)”

In their debut album Great Willow have managed to recreate and update the sound of the California canyons in the sixties. The reference is there to the 60’s sounds of (amongst others) the Byrds and the singing of Gene Clark. Great Willow are James Coombs and Erin Hawkins, with their exquisite harmony singing and with them are Rich McCulley playing guitar, and Ed Barguirena on drums. And, throughout, the mariachi horns, providing what is, at times, almost a “Tex-Mex” feel. Continue reading “Great Willow “Find Yourself in Los Angeles” (Sedan Zero Records 2017)”

Matt Woods hails from Knoxville, Tennessee where this CD was recorded in Shed 55. Here is an album to linger with and learn from. Matt accepts the reality of modern life. In Love in a Nuclear Age he sings, “No one’s been smart enough /To write a book on how to survive.” Maybe not, but here is a collection of songs that attempts very successfully to do just that thing. Continue reading “Matt Woods “How to Survive” (Lonely Ones Records 2017)”

Here is an astonishing album, musically and harmoniously spot on, that sweeps you up and teaches you a thing or two about people, places and events, leaving you with a sense of wonder. To encourage you, to listen to and buy the CD, to make every effort to see the Young’uns perform, here is, hopefully, a tempting glance into the appeal of the collection and the captivating nature of Sean Cooney, David Eagle and Michael Hughes, called The Young’uns as this was what they were called by older singers as a term of endearment in their early days of performing in the North East. Now, of course, they are established and holders of outstanding Folk awards. Continue reading “The Young‘uns “Strangers” (Heretu Records 2017)”

Martin Simpson’s latest album rates as his best yet. As one of the foremost singers and inventive players on the folk circuit here, he has gained his reputation not only through hard work but through a deep understanding of what English and American music amounts to, and where its roots are. Consider the thirteen tracks and gleam the stories that linger behind them. The first track is Blues Run the Game: “Catch a boat to England…” Martin’s soft, distinctive and confiding voice and his finger style playing catch and hold their audience effortlessly. Continue reading “Martin Simpson “Trails & Tribulations” (Topic Records 2017)”