Steve Hartsoe’s new EP, ‘Gaslighted’, comes straight through the front door without opening it, not bothering to knock or wipe its feet. The vocals are as gritty as they come, the solos on the money and this is a fine example of blues rock-influenced Americana. The vocals are mixed just right and rather than just hearing that impressive voice as no more than a grunt, the fate of many a similar vocalist, you can actually hear the words. Continue reading “Steve Hartsoe “Gaslighted” (Independent, 2020)”
This top-ten is meant to highlight acoustic guitar music, usually without vocals or vocals that are secondary to the music and not generally what the artist is known for. I had been thinking about John Fahey and Leo Kottke, Takoma records and what has been referred to as, ‘American Primitive’, guitar. It’s more a ‘starter for ten’ to an ongoing discussion than a display of any great knowledge on my part. Part of my fascination with this particular musical corner is how often it leads to Indian influences, sitars drones and titles with raga in them. 
It’s a fact that there is a wealth of great female vocalists out there – however Tara Dente does raise the bar and there are a couple of tracks on this album that could lead you to believe that her vocal cords are made of some exotic synthesis of Turkish Delight and a Caramac chocolate bar. Vocals as effortlessly rich as this haven’t been heard since the prime of KD Lang. Dente comes from the Asbury Park area which surprises, though it is more difficult to be clear where her home turf might be – but it isn’t there. It also needed checking a couple of times to be sure that she wasn’t English – or indeed Joni Mitchell minus that irritating vocal trill. 
David Lewis is less than prolific, having made 5 albums in 25 years which seems slow going by anyone’s standards. Only when you append his professional title does it make more sense; for Lewis is a Professor of Social Policy and Development at the London School of Economics and his professional CV would make you wonder how he has time for anything else let alone playing, touring, recording and song-writing. A busy man. 
Live albums can be a mixed blessing but in this case, an immensely appreciative audience, a good recording and a vocalist/lyricist of the first order means that this is an excellent package. The album is a valedictory affair recorded in the bands home town of Oxford – their final concert ever – in 2017. Stornoway are filed under an indie/folk/roots label – very English in their subject matter and approach and perhaps wise enough to realise when to call it a day as each of the four members was increasingly drawn to other projects and interests. Three great albums and a busy touring schedule over 10 years all around the world – perhaps more than enough for anyone? 
Johnny Cash had a career that would take a very large book or two to encapsulate and this Mojo sampler from 2004 offers 15 tracks that only represent the briefest overview with a variety of disparate artists offering their takes on the man’s work. It is a good selection though and worth a listen; the cover versions fascinate in the way the somehow do. 
Colorado based Turkeyfoot are essentially new to recording and have only an EP produced in June 2018 prior to this their first full-length offering. Researching the story of its beginnings makes you realise what the term ‘grassroots’ can really mean. Among treats offered to supporters in a Kickstarter funding drive were a chef-cooked meal and a fly-fishing trip. Who could resist? 