Following the 2018 release of ‘White Noise’, Kathy Zimmer’s new EP, ‘Sparkling Smile’, continues to develop her self-styled cosmopolitan folk sound. Once again, she effectively pulls off the trick of sounding warmly familiar and yet entirely new, blending musical genres and layering instrumentation to create a sumptuous set of songs.
Brian Carpenter formed Beat Circus in 2002 as an outlet for his theatrically inspired musical compositions, not quite as a side-project more one of several projects that he has juggled over the last couple of decades – alongside three previous Beat Circus albums there has also been a number of singer-songwriter releases and collaborations with … Continue reading “Beat Circus “These Wicked Things” (Innova Recordings, 2019)”
It takes some sand to put out an album that shoots for “Jack Kerouac meets Johnny Cash in Bakersfield”. Tom Russell’s extensive resume and impeccable pedigree notwithstanding, it’s a high bar to set. The songs on his new album ‘October in the Railroad Earth’ easily sail over that bar. The album’s title track is borrowed from a lyrical … Continue reading “Tom Russell “October in the Railroad Earth” (Proper, 2019)”
Nashville’s Will Hoge has been making records since the turn of the century and built a sizeable following for his brand of honest, heartfelt, and as on the new album, ‘My American Dream‘ thought-provoking music. Never one to shy away from the issues of the day, Hoge has produced an album that perfectly encapsulates both … Continue reading “Interview: Will Hoge”
Just in time for our very own civil war too. Leaving you this weekend dear reader with news that Grammy Award-winner John Paul White has announced his return to the UK in January to play a string of shows. Currently in the studio working on the follow up to last year’s critically-acclaimed album ‘Beulah’, White has released his new song ‘My … Continue reading “John Paul White announces new UK dates and track”
Benjamin Folke Thomas’ musical career was kick-started when his second album – ‘Rogue State of Mind’ – caught the ear of Radio 2’s Bob Harris, who invited the Swedish troubadour to Nashville as part of BBC Introducing. An accomplished finger-picker, Thomas boasts a baritone vocal timbre that sits somewhere between Johnny Cash and Tom Petty. … Continue reading “Benjamin Folke Thomas “Modern Man” (Aveline Records, 2018)”
John Murry seems to be on his own (smaller) version of Dylan’s never ending tour as he and his band resumed a UK tour which kicked off back in June and then had a short break. Murry was joined on the road once again by his new buddy Benjamin Folke Thomas (the pair seem to … Continue reading “John Murry + Benjamin Folke Thomas + Steve Grozier, Broadcast, Glasgow, 16th September 2018”
The Rails have delivered a contrasting follow up to their debut ‘Fair Warning,’ yet it is one that works like a dream. Husband and wife Kami Thompson, daughter of Richard and Linda Thompson, and James Walbourne, who has played with the likes of The Pretenders, Son Volt, Ray Davies, The Pernice Brothers and The Pogues, have … Continue reading “The Rails “Other People” (Thirty Tigers, 2018)”
Husband and wife duo Heart Hunters (Drew de Man / Brianna Blackbird) write and sing songs with an environmental and social conscience and, with ‘American Eclipse,’ they dive head first into the murky pond of 21st century American life. In de Man’s own words: “we can’t just indulge in driving around playing music – we have to … Continue reading “Heart Hunters “American Eclipse” (Independent, 2018)”
Now, some would say it’s a tad ironic to be doing a Van Life feature with a band whose very existence was threatened by their own van flipping over and causing somewhat of an unscheduled hiatus in terms of performing and recording. Thankfully, Charleston’s High Divers are beyond that roadblock and are set to release … Continue reading “Van Life: The High Divers”
