Back in 2021, when the impact of the pandemic was still truly felt around the world. The entire Celtic Connections festival moved online and Dean Owens was commissioned to pull together a 30-minute performance alongside Calexico’s Joey Burns and Martin Wenk and Kevin McGuire of the Felsons. With Burns in Idaho, Wenk in Berlin and McGuire and Owens together in Pencaitland, Scotland, it’s a wonder it ever came together. Even more of a wonder is how magical the performance was.
‘After the Rain’ was a highlight of the show. With sound mixed and mastered to perfection by Garry Boyle, this version is spellbindingly beautiful. Owens’ voice is as rich and warm as ever and really feels as if he is genuinely live, performing in the room right in front of you. The gentle beginning, just Owens and his guitar, draws you in to the intimate words before Burns adds electric guitar. Then, McGuire’s woozy double bass and Wenk’s gorgeous, swelling trumpet are introduced – the result is timeless class. Across the miles and an ocean apart, these gifted musicians created something really special here.
The song originally appeared on Dean Owens’ ‘Sinner’s Shrine’ album, which was recorded in Tucson with Joey Burns, John Convertino and musicians from Calexico. It’s a stunning, characterful piece of work that you must check out if you haven’t already. Enjoy.
