Ivor Cutler was a unique Scottish artist, poet, songwriter, teacher, humourist and mainstay of British Radio who died in 2006 aged 83 and was very probably a genius. The depression of the ‘30s, his Jewish background and experience of anti-Semitism and a challenging home life all had a major impact on his work. The word eccentric is often associated with him but absurdist would be closer to the truth with major fan Billy Connolly saying the world needed Ivor Cutler “in order to think differently”. In the late ’50s he was given a late-night slot on the Home Service and since then he has appeared on all major BBC Radio stations being championed by John Peel and Andy Kershaw. John Lennon and Paul McCartney were such fans they gave him a cameo as Buster Bloodvessel, the bus conductor, in the Beatles’ ‘Magical Mystery Tour’. Continue reading “Citizen Bravo, Raymond MacDonald & Friends “Return to Y’Hup: The World of Ivor Cutler” (Chemikal Underground, 2020)”
Author: Martin Johnson
I've been a music obsessive for more years than I care to admit to. Part of my enjoyment from music comes from discovering new sounds and artists while continuing to explore the roots of American 20th century music that has impacted the whole of world culture.
The Song Remains: Thomas Paulsley LaBeff aka ‘Sleepy LaBeef’ – 1935–2019
This is our first obituary of 2020 in our new The Song Remains section and it is by Alasdair Fotheringham. Readers’ feedback on the new section would be really appreciated. Continue reading “The Song Remains: Thomas Paulsley LaBeff aka ‘Sleepy LaBeef’ – 1935–2019”
Americana UK introduces our new Obituaries section The Song Remains
The roots of Americana music run deep and wide and many of the early originators and influencers are now approaching or are in old age. To recognise and celebrate recently lost artists AUK will start publishing obituaries in 2020 in our The Song Remains section reflecting the fact that while an artist may have died their music, art and spirit remain with us through their recordings. To kick start this new section of the website there is a Rollcall of some of those artists lost in 2019 with a full obituary of Paul Barrere guitarist with Little Feat. Our readers’ thoughts on this new section will be very much appreciated. Continue reading “Americana UK introduces our new Obituaries section The Song Remains”
Cattle and Cane “Navigator” (Independent, 2019)
‘Navigator’ is the third album by independent act Cattle and Cane who are siblings Helen and Joe Hammill, supported by a flexible group of musicians that includes members of their extended family. They have a strong following in their native North East of England and are hoping ‘Navigator’ will be their breakthrough album. Continue reading “Cattle and Cane “Navigator” (Independent, 2019)”
Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds “Ghosteen” (Ghosteen Ltd, 2019)
Some readers may be a little surprised to see a Nick Cave review on the Americana UK website. After all, he is recognised as one of the leading post-punk artists renowned for his dark and brooding lyrics and seen as the Godfather of Goth by some. Wait a minute though, he is also an outstanding songwriter who has been influenced by many artists linked to the Americana genre. From the very start, John Lee Hooker and Van Morrison were key influences on his music; Johnny Cash recorded his song ‘The Mercy Seat’ and Cave recorded Hank William’s ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’ as a duet with the Man in Black. He also covered the Louvin Brothers’ ‘Knoxville Girl’ and even recorded an album of murder ballads that maintained this venerable folk tradition. Continue reading “Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds “Ghosteen” (Ghosteen Ltd, 2019)”
Awkward Family Portraits “Everything We’ve Done Up Until Now Except What We’ve Done Since ” (Holy Smokes Records, 2019)
Awkward Family Portraits are a Glaswegian group in the fine tradition of Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks and on the UK front, Chilli Willi and The Red Hot Peppers from the pub rock era. Reflecting this tradition these self-composed songs cover rock and roll, rockabilly, western swing, 1920s through 1950s jazz, bluegrass, gypsy jazz and jump blues with largely fun lyrics that will bring a smile to everyone’s face. However, whatever the influences and genres of music covered they play music to dance to which has always been one of the prime functions of music. Continue reading “Awkward Family Portraits “Everything We’ve Done Up Until Now Except What We’ve Done Since ” (Holy Smokes Records, 2019)”
David Latto “Show Me How To Feel” (Independent, 2019)
David Latto is an exponent of Scottish Americana whose first album, ‘3000 Miles from Nashville’, was released in 2010. He then released a number of albums with the David Latto Band winning praise for his warm singing voice and obvious songwriting skills. These songwriting skills have been appreciated by other artists and following David Latto’s trip to Nashville in 2016, Tanya Tucker recorded one of his songs which is scheduled for release next year. However, he began to questioned his previous work with the David Latto Band and struggled to engage with his muse and retired from music for a couple of years. This break from music allowed him to regain his perspective on what he wanted to achieve artistically and this new EP of five personal songs is a reflection of his new found confidence in his abilities. Continue reading “David Latto “Show Me How To Feel” (Independent, 2019)”