Three Chords and the Truth UK

Kim at 2013 Moseley Folk Festival In these multi modal times of consuming music from across the globe, it is refreshing to keep an eye on what is happening on your local doorstep. So amongst the many artists from Austin, Nashville and all points in between featured on this site, the career of Stourbridge based folk singer Kim Lowings has been closely followed after discovering her last year. Since this introduction, Kim and her assembled band known as the Greenwood have played many gigs, both local and further afield, but they regularly return to Katie Fitzgerald’s pub as guests of the local folk club. With a growing catalogue of traditional and original songs, the band can comfortably play a pair of 45 minute sets in a style that successfully blends a contemporary and classical folk stance. Kim has a trio of recordings to her name and the brace of sets performed this evening drew on material mainly from the recent EP DEEPEST, DARKEST NIGHT and the full album THIS LIFE rel...

It took Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison a while to get the duet recording bug but hot on the heels of last year’s CHEATER’S GAME, we have another delightful collection to whet the appetite of those forever searching for real country music in today’s contemporary market. If you want to lose yourself for half an hour in a whirlpool of delectable duets, classic country, sublime steel and heart breaking harmonies then OUR YEAR demands your attention. The ten tracks selected reflect well on Kelly and Bruce’s ear for a song as their writing input has been limited to just a trio of numbers but the choice of cover will certainly educate and entertain. The legendary status of Kelly and Bruce is anchored in Austin, Texas and while their fruits should be enjoyed far and wide there is a thread of hometown influence throughout the album. In fact the record kicks off with a track written by Bruce’s younger sister Robyn Ludwick. ‘ Departing Louisiana ’ will hook you into the album groove immedi...

SONGS will surely be amongst the fictional end of year accolades for the most simple and appropriate album title of 2014. Songs quite literally are the currency of John Fullbright and this latest album delivers a new batch of compositions to fuel the clambering campaign to hail him as the next great American song writing talent. There is no façade to the album just 12 stripped back tracks to reveal an artist who speaks through his music and understands the strength of song. Of course, John is no stranger to lavished praise on his music after his debut album FROM THE GROUND UP was a 2013 Grammy nominee for Best Americana album. Even in the run up to its release you can envisage a similar reception to SONGS as its content possesses an inbuilt timeless longevity that grows with each listen. Wes Sharon has produced the record which sees John ignite his fierce independent spirit by surrounding himself with only a select band of contributors, one being Terry Ware who accompanied John ...

The band in full tour rehearsal  His background may be rooted in the folk tradition but the unveiling of the new Blair Dunlop live persona, coupled with full band, revealed a sound as good as any UK act exploring the world of country rock Americana on the circuit. Switching between electric and acoustic, Blair focussed heavily on his new album during this near-90 minute set and received stellar support from Jacob Stoney on keys, Fred Claridge on percussion and the usual quality fiddle and mandolin playing we have come to expect from Kat Gilmore. Over the last twelve months, Blair has been seen live in several developing roles as he tied the loose ends in promoting BLIGHT AND BLOSSOM including a Birmingham date supporting the Carrivick Sisters and another in a similar role with Larkin Poe. However the support element was well and truly dropped from this gig which was held in the Hare and Hounds’ larger music room and attracted a respectable sized audience. For this evening ...

Photo not taken at gig After giving Jess Morgan’s new album an intense listen and favourable review, an ideal opportunity immediately presented itself to hear a number of the songs live in this triple bill at Birmingham’s suburban arts venue, the Ort Café. Over the duration of her headline set, the qualities which factored the review verdict were evident for all to see and confirmed the view that we were in the presence of an accomplished and talented artist. As Jess is in the middle of the tour designed to promote the new album, those present were unsurprisingly treated to a selection of exquisite numbers from LANGA LANGA which gave the record an added dimension. The recent review acknowledged that a live show would give Jess the opportunity to flavour the songs with an informed introduction and this duly happened to enhance their understanding. Prior to Jess taking the spotlight, a pair of local singer-songwriters were granted a slot to share their music with the audienc...

In today’s competitive music market there is no room for bands to rest on their laurels and Sussex based Hatful of Rain understand the importance of connecting with both their existing and potential fan base. Praise has been showered on the quartet following their debut release, including a successful session with Bob Harris, but the recording of a new album could just be the impetus they need to take their music to a wider audience. Along with this excellent sophomore album, the band that produce an eclectic roots sound to excite specialists in the country, folk and Americana scene, are also in the throes of breaking out from their south coast zone with a tour of venues further afield. The good news is that in THE MORNING KEY they have a record to carry on the momentum. Under the guidance of the good folks at the Union Music Store and leadership from producer Al Scott (The Levellers, Oysterband), this 13 track comprehensive collection of self-penned songs shows the democratic app...

For a while now Jess Morgan has been recognised has one of the most talented young artists plying their trade on the acoustic singer-songwriter circuit. In what is a somewhat crowded market this is no mean achievement and the release of her third full length album will help cement that reputation further. There is a neat symmetrical pattern between these releases and the two year gaps have no doubt been filled with the many live dates Jess plays. LANGA LANGA is very much in the style Jess has cultivated on her previous records and evidences a career that continues to blossom. This 43 minute album is a collection of 11 beautifully crafted songs underpinned by a multi instrumental sound which is sufficiently subtle to allow the elegant vocals to recount the vivid tales Jess wants to share with her listeners. Whether wrapped around the cello, fiddle mandolin or guitar, each song is tinged with an honest purity to provide a soft palatable listening experience. Don’t expect your liai...

It’s always a rewarding experience to get the chance to see an artist live after spending time getting to understand their music. Amongst a raft of UK acts eager to promote their fruits to a wider audience, David Latto’s self-titled album in late 2012 stood out as an exceptional model for a DIY Americana record. His talents were duly confirmed after seeing him play a set at last year’s Maverick Festival and nearly twelve months on, David has returned to the studio to bring some further fine recordings from north of the border. With his sidekick Gavin Brady on production, guitar and support vocal duties, HERE TODAY, GHOST TOMORROW is a tidy collection of tunes which once again highlights David’ ability to craft, write and present songs. In a similar style to his previous material, the blend of guitar melodies and heartfelt vocals wrap themselves around a set of songs evoking memories of a sound born from the highways and wide open spaces. As on his previous album, David has e...

Photo credit Erica Shires You know you’re in for a good evening when the artist strides onto the stage and announces their arrival with a stunning a cappella version of a song from their back catalogue. She may have based her reputation on being an exceptional violin player but, with that opening, Amanda Shires continues to show her musical diversity. This evening’s gig in Shrewsbury was further evidence of her evolution into a top notch Americana artist and throughout her twin set performance a sizable Henry Tudor House audience were in full appreciation of her talents. Amanda has toured in several different formats over the years and on this UK trip she has teamed up with bassist Stephanie Dickinson to form a duo, with the chemistry flourishing both on and off the stage. Whilst her recent career has been intrinsically linked with husband Jason Isbell, Amanda is the proud architect of a fabulous trio of solo albums and she decided to base much of this evening’s set around the...

With strains of country, echoes of soul and all underpinned by rock, Hannah Aldridge has unleashed a mightily impressive debut album for music lovers far and wide. Hannah has dug deep into her heritage, she is the daughter of respected producer Walt Aldridge, and has successfully exploited the rich sounds of both Muscle Shoals and Nashville. The result of this twin city influence is RAZOR WIRE, a straight from the heart record, rich in soul injected roots rock with a sufficient desired twang to tempt listeners from the country fraternity. Produced in Nashville under the stewardship of Chris Mara, this 11 track - 47 minute collection possesses an interesting mix of both upbeat tunes and emotive ballads with a faint resemblance to the sounds of fellow highly touted female artists Holly Williams and Lindi Ortega. Hannah has drawn on her eventful past experiences to pen the majority of the tracks and it’s to the album’s credit that the standout number has the tendency to differ with e...

Though often overshadowed by its southern neighbour, Oklahoma can boast a rich musical heritage to rival Texas in the troubadour stakes. From the days of the Dust Bowl Balladeer right up to the present, inspirational song writing has emanated from this state with John Fulbright the latest to get both national and international recognition. However there's a new name on the block and early listens to Parker Millsap reveal an awe-inspiring young talent ready to make a lasting impression on the roots Americana scene around the world. This three track EP has acted as an introduction to the UK market ahead of a self titled full release ready to hit these shores over the summer. If the quality of the three tracks selected are a representation of the album then the new record is going to be a real treat. The opening two songs have been lifted from the upcoming release and their stunning quality belies the tender performing years of the 20 year old Millsap. Being subjected to a Penteco...

If you have a passion or just a passing interest in the sounds of the South then this new album by Brigitte DeMeyer will be right up your street. SAVANNAH ROAD is the 6 th studio release from Brigitte and succeeds in taking you on a roots fuelled southern journey of discovery. The combination of sultry vocals, evocative instrumentation and expressive lyrics weaves together a sound deeply embedded in the spirit of blues, soul, gospel and country. Brigitte has masterminded this project with much valued assistance from Will Kimbrough who has had a hand in co-writing most of the 13 tracks as well as contributing his renowned skilled musicianship. Although not born and raised in the South, Brigitte is now a Nashville resident and derived inspiration for the record from a biography of southern rock icon Gregg Allman. The result is a sensual exploration of southern lore which encapsulates the spirit of an area strongly considered the bedrock of Americana music. Whilst embarking on a d...

Let’s leave the alt tag on one side for the moment and pose the question; is there a better country band in the UK at this current time than The Redlands Palomino Company? True, they position themselves on the rock side of the genre but where else can you find such delectable harmonies, strong songs, luscious pedal steel and a driving drum and bass backbeat in a tight knit five piece band. Fresh on the back of their fabulous new album BROKEN CARELESSLY, the band has undertaken a short UK tour to promote the record and the evidence of their storming performance in Worcester suggests they are in fine fettle. For me, the Redlands experience began in the Marr’s Bar half a dozen years ago and this compact city centre club hosted the band again, giving those present the joy of hearing many of the new songs live for the first time. It didn’t take long to deliver the tracks from the latest album as, without any unnecessary introductions, Hannah launched into ‘ Broken Carelessly ’, the tit...

With the ink barely dry on his debut UK release, those fans who feasted on HIGH TOP MOUNTAIN are set to gorge themselves further as Sturgill Simpson’s sophomore album METAMODERN SOUNDS IN COUNTRY MUSIC simultaneously hits both sides of the Atlantic on May 12. Having caused more than a ripple within the country music intelligentsia with his first album, Sturgill serves up more of the same in this follow up which further justifies UK label Loose Music’s decision to add the Kentucky born country outlaw to their roster. You are unlikely to come across a deeper and more philosophical album this year as Simpson continues to delight those seeking for an heir to Cash, Nelson, Haggard and Jennings. With masterly song writing and a neo traditional stance, this album oozes with a pretence soaked in top 40 radio antipathy. This is country music with a psychedelic edge that manages to push your mind to the limit and at the same time still retain glimpses of a laid back sound synonymous wit...