New To Me: Kenneth J Nash - The Fall Of Eden

Although out at the end of 2014 - Kenneth J Nash's The Fall Of Eden becomes my second essential listen of 2015.

It grabbed me right from the first listen and has not let me go since. It is on constant repeat on my mp3 player and in the car on cd.

Having been on the music scene for quite a few years, I had not heard of Kenneth until I discovered the album. So it goes to show that even someone who listens to as much music as I do can still be surprised at who is out there plying their trade on the UK music circuit.

Firstly, let me say, that although the album sounds fine on download (and Spotify) it sounds phenomenal on CD - so if you're tempted to get a copy - which you must - get the CD version (direct from Ken via his website) - you'll be glad you did. Oh, what a sound vinyl version would produce.

The album starts with a small drone of what appears to be an amplifier and a gorgeous acoustic instrumental opener called Eden - this small instrumental track sets the tone for what is to come on the rest of the album. Guitars and an accordian float the track into the first song of the album Slow Burn. Then Ken comes in with his deep, rich voice. Sounding world weary and laden, his smoky burr warms like a whisky on a cold night.

Fran Taylor's backing vocals give the song that eerie feminine aspect that recurs throughout the album. It is a beautiful colour that is both unexpected and is integral in what Ken and his musicians are trying to convey.

Carol Ann comes next, introduced by some beautiful acoustic guitar work and some really gorgeous tuned percussion. It's here you can really hear the love that Ken has put into the production. Clear as a bell, indeed.

The album is very much an acoustic based experience with acoustic bass, harmonica, fiddle, cello, mandolin, harp and accordion supplemented intelligently by the electric guitars & keyboards.

I don't really want to dissect what I read into the lyrics but fair to say that they are about love & loss, relationships, rebirth and hope. You will make of them what you will. I'm sure you can find experiences of your own to reflect what Ken is trying to say in these songs.

With woodwind and cello to the fore, the track Take Me Home calls to mind Nick Drake. 

I think that the 'Englishness' of the album is something that resonates and indeed attracts.

One of the aspects that I love most about the album is the decision to use natural sounds to help paint the sound pictures.

This can be seen in the track St Mary's Heart which is introduced and closed by the peals of the bells of St Mary's Church in Rushden. It's a gorgeous song with an almost underlying blusey feel beneath the acoustic guitar and upright bass. And once again sterling vocals by Fran Taylor.

The key track for me on The Fall Of Eden is the 8.24 minute The Way She Moved. We have already been given an appetizer with St Mary's Heart and The Way.. just takes it up a notch in emotional intensity, widescreen but intimate production and performance. It is the best song I have heard so far in 2015 and is a real tour-de-force.

Opening with the buzz of an amplifier the track builds from a haunting electric guitar arpeggio into a gloriously understated, hymnic song. It's almost a tone poem. Ken delivers the vocal like he is reading poetry, an almost spoken, whispering hush. The song fades beautifully into a cello and acoustic guitar motif which is then overtaken by the sounds of crashing waves upon a shore. Only to be ressurected into a simple harp, accordion and female vocal as those waves continue to crash. It's SO moving.

Following the songs Come Show Me Your Love and Strong - we are taken by a small instrumental piece, The Fall Of Eden (i) into the albums closing track The Fall Of Eden (ii).

The title track is another beautifully realised song. Acoustic guitars, harp and keyboards - and I won't spoil the surprise of the final moments of the album. Such a stunningly simple and beautiful touch. Very much in the same vein as Jones' To The Bone album closer.

The Fall Of Eden is a beautiful, beguiling record that draws you in by it's delicacy and honesty. It has certainly set the bar high for the rest of my 2015 listening.

Totally essential in your collection.

Twitter - @Kennethjnash

http://www.kennethjnash.com/

New To Me: King and Queen Of Sorry

I thought to start off 2015 I'd highlight something new that has come to my attention.

The King And Queen Of Sorry

Starting off as a duo back in 2012 - Kathryn Marsh (Vocals) and Rhod Williams (Guitar) started off playing a heady mix of acoustic pop, folk and Americana. 

Since those early days the band has expanded into a 5 piece which now includes Paul Rimmer (Percussion, guitar & Backing vocals) - Giz Davies (Piano, Guitar & Backing vocals) and Andy Davies (Bass).

They have just released their debut album. And a lovely thing it is, too.

Comprising of twelve tracks, their eponymous debut covers all the bases described above.

It opens with Open Door which kicks off the whole proceedings with a classy sway of Americana tinged folk/harmony.

How Long Is Forever continues the laid back feel with it's Laurel Canyon leanings with lovely harmonies and Kathryn's strong vocals to the fore.

Other highlights on this impressive debut include the piano led ballad World On Fire which brings to mind those Wilson sisters from the band Heart.

Traffic Lights with it's acoustic guitar and piano backing sounds like a folky Fleetwood Mac - not a bad thing in this man's book.

If you happen to be a fan of bands such as Zervas & Pepper then you WILL find music on this album you'll enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTA4wTF3qcU

The album concludes with the lovely Sail Away, which again brings together some lovely piano and acoustic guitar and glorious harmonies.

All 12 tracks are worthy of a place on the album.

So, why not make this your first purchase of 2015 - if you like acoustic folk rock then you'll enjoy this album.

The album can be downloaded here

http://kingandqueenofsorry.bandcamp.com/

or through Amazon & iTunes

or contact the band if you'd like the cd version - you can get them via Facebook

Twitter - @KingAndQueenOfS

New To Me: Dan Whitehouse

The support act on the latest Simone Felice tour was a performer called Dan Whitehouse.

Now, I like my singer songwriters of the intelligent variety and not your usual June Moon Spoon school of songwriting. When I knew I was going to be seeing him twice, I decided to investigate the man.

To my delight, he is an excellent singer/songwriter and his latest album Raw State has been produced by none other than Danny George Wilson and Chris Clarke of Danny & The Champions Of The World.

Now I know Danny to be a man of taste, so I wondered what had attracted him to be involved in Dan's album in such a big way. So I listened to the album on Spotify before I got a chance to buy it from the man himself in his gig with Simone at The Louisiana in Bristol. It's an album of dynamism, excellent songwriting and quality production.

He played an excellent acoustic set of several of the songs contained on Raw States.

Included on Youtube are 6 videos about the recording of Raw States - I have included two on this page but do seek out the rest.

The album has the golden touch of The Champs who have themselves released two of my favorite albums of the past couple of years in Stay True & Live Champs.

When you speak to the man he is intelligent, obviously loves his music and has a knowledge of his peers and past musical heroes. A man after my own heart.

Although the acoustic Dan is a wonderful thing, Raw States is a much richer experience. With the full band sound and lovely female backing vocals, it's a joy.

So seek out Raw States and BUY IT! And keep an eye out in your local area for any live performances. Dan is definitely a cut above and is worthy of your attention. So seek him out. And give him a firm handshake and a smile. He deserves it.

Twitter - @dan_whitehouse

http://www.dan-whitehouse.com/

New To Me: Luke Tuchscherer

While trawling through the music sites on the internet, as I do quite often, I typed in Byrds influenced bands. Various searches later I came across a band called The Whybirds.

So, I checked them out on Spotify

The Whybirds

and on Youtube - and I liked what I heard. Tuneful Americana with a bit of attitude and a some country swing. And believe it or not, these lot came from Bedford. That's Bedford in England!

With 1 EP and 4 albums to their name the band are well worth checking out if you are a fan of Americana.

And what was even more intriguing for me was the fact that the band had a singing drummer!!

Luke Tuchesherer.

I have always been a sucker for a singing drummer - Levon Helm, Don Henley, Dave Grohl, Simone Felice and one Phil Collins among them, so I was delighted to find out that Luke was releasing a solo album.

Luke's new solo album is called You Get So Alone at Times That It Just Makes Sense and it's a beauty.

Luke has more or less ditched the drums for the album and concentrates on playing acoustic guitar.

It's a lovely, varied album that is full of splendid Americana - you can almost see the tumbleweed blowing and those mission bells ringing out.

It opens with with Lord Know's I'm A Bad Man which features some terrific acoustic slide guitar and an insistent pounding rhythm.

Drummers often have interesting beats and rhythms when they produce solo work - Simone Felice's Strangers album is a good case in point. 

The country twang of When Day Is Gone adds another flavour with it's swing.

One Of Us has some some nice organ work and recalls The Band in feel. Obviously an influence on Luke.

There are also some gentler moments including Hold On, Women & (To Make It Worse) I'm Falling In Love Again.

Two Ships (Caroline Please) has a Byrds jangle and uplifting beat.

The album ends with track 12 -  Darling, It's Just Too Hard To Love a lovely ballad.

Unfortunately there are no songs from the album on Youtube or Spotify to show you.

But Luke has produced some interesting home made covers which can be found on Youtube and are well worth a listen.

James McCurry from AmericanaUK does a much better job than I could in reviewing Luke's album, so check it out here. Then invest.

http://www.americana-uk.com/cd-reviews/item/luke-tuchscherer-you-get-so-alone-at-times-that-it-just-makes-sense

Twitter - @luketuchscherer 

http://www.luketuchscherer.co.uk/

New To Me: Fabian Holland

Last year I bought an album that might have slipped through the net for a few of you music lovers out there.

It comes from the Rooksmere Records stable and is a debut album by singer/songwriter Fabian Holland.

Recorded at Rooksmere Studios and released on Rooksmere Records with producer Mark Hutchinson at the helm, the debut has been deliberately kept simple.

Just Fabian and his guitar.

photo courtesy of Folkradio.com

The majority of the album contains Fabian's songs with a brace of Traditional tunes Banks Of The Dee & Dr Price and a Blues standard, Hard Time Killing Floor Blues.

His songwriting style is very much in the story-telling vein, similar that that of fellow labelmate Blair Dunlop and he has a lovely fluid guitar style honed over many years of playing.

Fabian is currently working on album number two, so if his debut has passed you by, it may well be time to investigate further.

photo courtesy of Songs From The Shed

Twitter - @fabianholland

http://www.fabianholland.com/

New To Me: The Self Help Group

At the end of last year I came across an album that make my ears prick up.

It was called Not Waving, But Drowning. It's by a band called The Self Help Group.

I'd never heard anything about them before.

So I bought it. And it was excellent.

The Self Help Group are based in Brighton and consist of Mark Bruce who is singer, guitarist & songwriter together with Paddy Keeley on guitars, Ian Bliszczak on bass, Jamie Fewings on drums and sisters Sarah Natalie Wood & Clara Wood-Keeley on vocals.

Their music is a mix of Folk, Americana and maybe even a bit of Country. It's an eclectic and interesting mixture. Very much acoustic in flavour with guitars,banjo, tuned percussion, strings and beautiful harmonies. The harmonies bring to mind bands such as Fleetwood Mac and CSNY with ladies. 

Most of the songs on the album are based on stories. Not your usual June,Spoon,Moon fare.

prisoner

It's a warm and welcoming record which deserves to reach a wider audience.

So if you're looking for something a bit different which is also a treat for your ears then you could do a lot worse than to give The Self Help Group a listen.

Twitter - @thegroupies

http://unionmusicstore.com/the-self-help-group

New To Me: The Prefab Sprout Project

This is my biggest musical surprise of the year so far.

A group of fans set up a project to write and create music in the style of the great Prefab Sprout and Paddy McAloon. It is an homage and not imitation.

It contains songs written by fans and sung by Scott McPherson & Andrea Perry and various musicians provide the musical background.

These are NOT Prefab Sprout Songs but songs 'inspired' by Prefab Sprout. New songs.

Some of them are very good. All are at least interesting. I managed to get both of the cds.

Here are three videos of songs from the albums.

If you like Prefab Sprout or Paddy McAloon then check them out.

http://www.theprefabsproutproject.com/

New To Me: Luke Sital-Singh

photo courtesy of The Telegraph

I heard Luke's music on BBC Radio 2. 

It reminded me very much of another favourite artist of mine, Benjamin Francis Leftwich.

He has released 3 EPs

Fail For You (2012) - (Fail For You, Honest Man, I Have Been a Fire, You Love,YouLove )

Old Flint (2013) - (Bottled Up Tight, Inaudible Sighs, Blinding Life, Dark)

Tornados (2013) - (Nothing Stays The Same, Early Morning, How To Lose Your Life, Tornado Town)

photo courtesy of lukesitalsingh.com

Luke has still to release his first album and is continuing to play live both in the UK and Europe.

photo courtesy of impactnottingham.com

He is also due to play some festivals this year including Latitude & Barn On The Farm

photo courtesy of fringebacker.com

photo courtesy of anotherrainysaturday.com

Luke's new single Greatest Lovers is due out on April 20th.

photo courtesy of hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk

Luke was included on the BBC Poll - Long List of the Sound Of 2014

Twitter - @lukesitalsingh

http://lukesitalsingh.com/

New To Me: 2013: Co-Pilgrim & Pelotons

 

 

Earlier in the year I was listening to the Bob Harris Show on Saturday night and I heard a track called A Fairer Sea. It was by a band called Co-Pilgrim.

 

 

 

So, I checked them out via their webpage. As it turns out, Co-Pilgrim is Mike Gale. And together with a few friends set about making the album, A Fairer Sea. It turns out that Mike is just a bit of a Dennis Wilson fan. Now students of my blog will know that I do hold old Dennis in a bit of high esteem, so any fan of Dennis' is worth investigating. With this in mind I bought the album. And what a lovely package it is. Dripping with harmony and lovely music. You can certainly tell the influence of The Beach Boys but Mike has ploughed his own path and created a beautiful record.

 

 

It's kind of Americana with a beach boys influence. I can tell why a couple of those Dreaming Spires boys have got involved as it has that Americana/Country sound.

 

 

 

Not content with producing one of the loveliest albums of the year, Mike Gale has also started another musical project with Finnish songstress Tina Karkinen called Pelotons. They have created a lovely Lo-Fi sound with a haunting quality. The have an EP called Burrows being issued very soon and have put up some music on Soundcloud. So go and check them out.

  

 

http://pelotonsmusic.wordpress.com/

 

 

 

 

https://soundcloud.com/pelotons

 

https://www.facebook.com/pelotons

 

 

 

 

http://www.co-pilgrim.co.uk/

Twitter - @copilgrim

@Pelotonsmusic

 



New To Me: 2013: Peter James Millson

As I've stated earlier in the blog, I have spent a lot of my musical time in 2013 searching out new music.

I came across Peter James Millson through Danny & The Champions. Peter, who is also a very talented photographer, took the photographs for the latest brilliant album by Danny & The Champions, Stay True. However, Peter is also a talented musician.

He has a new album, Sweet The Love That Meets Return, due out on March 31st. Prior to this he has released a single Being Young.





And an Ep called The Beautiful Truth.

Both are very good. He also has a good taste in music. Anyone who likes Paddy McAloon is a friend of mine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy89xrLnz6Y&feature=c4-overview&list=UUTnQlAxUYUuRquFqZUfmbgA

He also has a sense of humour.

And he's worth following on Twitter too.

CHECK HIM OUT

twitter - @pjmillson

http://peterjamesmillson.com/

 

New To Me : 2013 - Toliesel







Oxford seems to be a hotbed of talent at the moment and one of the new bands out of there is Toliesel.

The sound is a kind of alt-Americana with lots of shimmering guitars.

 

A kind of indie-infused alt- country Americana!!

 

 

They've just released their debut EP Countours, which is VERY good.

 

 

 

Here's a nice review of the debut EP Contours courtesy of Not Another Rainy Sunday blog

 

http://notanotherrainysunday.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/ep-review-contours-toliesel.html

 

 

Here's a great cover of The Beatles Dear Prudence that the band recorded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twitter - @Toliesel

 

 

https://soundcloud.com/toliesel

 

 

http://toliesel.com/