Rhythm & Booze An online music webzine created by music lovers for music lovers.

29 October, 2014

New Street Adventure-No Hard Feelings

Filed under: new wave,Recorded Reviews,soul — Tags: new album, new street adventure, no hard feelings — willmunn @ 10:53

New Street Adventure are a four-piece band hailing from the capitol, the quartet were raised on a steady diet of Curtis Mayfield, Bobby Womack and Smokey Robinson instead of the standard indie rock fare and it’s that love of classic soul that has inspired them to create their unique brand of new wave soul.

Previous single On Our Frontdoorstep (released in July) saw the band gain a strong response from the UK radio resulting in spins on the likes of the Craig Charles Funk & Soul show on 6 Music and a session on radio royalty Robert Elms show among others.

As well the usual musical media outlets fashion designers Fred Perry have also championed the band with a feature on their own website.

The debut album, No Hard Feelings came out this week (27th October) on Acid Jazz Records and is something of a belter, a thirteen track affair that features tight smooth grooves alongside barbed wire, observational and socially aware lyrics all wrapped up with an instantly infectious melody or two.

Aforementioned single On Our Frontdoorstep opens the proceedings and instantly sets the mood, musically the band create a contagious soul groove before frontman Nick Corbin delivers his no-nonsense spiky social commentary with a croon that’s one part Mayfield and one part Albarn, the band hook you in with both style and substance from the of. From there, the band add a dash of strings, piano, soulful harmonies and a whole lot of emotion, on the beautiful, sweeping Keep It Burning so the band are equally adapt at matters of the heart as they are at addressing the nation’s ills.

Be Somebody is the perfect showcase for New Street Adventure’s love of both soul and new wave, acidic lyrics and choppy guitars make way for a brilliant uplifting hook-laden chorus, whilst Hunted, musically sounds like an upbeat nu-soul classic but closer listening reveals the song to be lyrically a little bleaker and all the better for it,  title track,(perhaps the biographical) No Hard Feelings, is a stunning tale of the middle of the road music machine that opens with a swaggering riff before developing into a soaring strings assisted epic complete with towering vocal hook, whilst Say You’re Lonely is a heartfelt ballad with beautiful piano and a gorgeous vocal that truly yanks at the heartstrings.

Since the likes of The Style Council, there have been  few bands, that have attempted the new wave/soul crossover and few, if any, have managed to create such an exuberant and essential sound, but New Street Adventure have done just that, No Hard Feelings  hits your mind, body and soul simultaneously.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 8

www.new-street-adventure.com

16 October, 2014

Danny & The Champions Of The World-Live Champs!

Filed under: acoustic,americana,Blog,country,folk,Recorded Reviews,rock n roll,roots,soul — Tags: danny and the champions of the world, live champs, new album — willmunn @ 19:27

A few years back I got to see Danny & The Champions Of The World perform at a small basement club in Cheltenham (Subtone) supporting their recently released album, Hearts And Arrows, the band were a revelation, the album was damn good, but the live experience was on another level completely. That night the band blended rootsy Americana with soul and the rock ‘n’ roll attitude of Springsteen, every song hit the mark, every morsel lapped up by an audience at fever pitch and even now I’d regard it as one of the best gigs I’ve attended among literally hundreds over the years.

So when the chance popped up to review a double live album (recorded this year at the Jazz Cafe, Camden) by Danny George Wilson and maverick band, I leapt at the chance to don my headphones and disappear into a world of stripped down rock, strummed acoustics, parping sax, rich harmonies and pedal steel guitar.

The album opens with the band building up a wall of sound before dropping down to a  gorgeous slice of drums and pedal steel guitar before Danny delivers his gorgeous folky (Dylan-esque) croon. (Never Stop Building) That Old Space Rocket is a glorious opener, instantly showcasing that rich and rootsy sound that could hark straight out of Woodstock (think the organic sounds of The Band!!). only with an additional inspired sax solo, stretching the sound into a cosmic soul direction.

Cold Cold World follows, adding vocal harmonies to an already potent sound creating a 60’s pop feel, whilst the combination of the aforementioned pedal steel and acoustic guitar keep the rootsy sound very much at the forefront. Let’s Grab This With Both Hands is a stunning soul number with Danny really letting his expressive voice go over rolling beats and horns that could have been lifted from a best of Stax compilation, highlighting those various influences that make Danny & The Champions Of The World such an experience.

The first CD continues in much the same vein, stripped down Americana colliding with big soul and timeless rock ‘n’ roll effortlessly, from the rousing, eleven minutes plus of Colonel & The King with it’s “Elvis is a flaming star” refrain and squalling electric guitar and sax solo’s to the organ drenched, country soul of  Darlin’ Won’t You Come In From The Cold, to the band’s tale of the road and firm fan favourite, Henry The Van, a gorgeous folk lament of touring and the band’s old mode of transportation, which even had me singing-along months later in the comfort of home.

The second CD opens with a pounded beat, those stunning pedal steel tones and a quite breathtaking twelve minute plus take on Other Days that again showcases the depth and musicality of the band’s sound, with each of the members of the Champions being allowed to express themselves, whilst Danny introduces the band.

From there the band take it home with a further five tracks that simply blow your socks off, beginning with the one-two winning combo of Every Beat Of My Heart and You Don’t Know (My Heart is In The Right Place) where the band unveil their inner E-Street Band fantasies with a couple of slabs of prime time, driving rock ‘n’ roll that’ll have the most restrained music fan punching the air in salute.

The band could have finished there, but no, Danny and the boys somehow muster the energy to unleash a thirteen minute take on Restless Feet with support act for the night, Trevor Moss and Hannah Lou joining the band for additional vocal harmonies whilst the band weave their magic, with thrilling solos and driving riffs aplenty (checkout the stunning sax solo by Geoff Widowson). whilst the crowd show their appreciation clapping, hollering and crooning along gleefully.

There’s still time for a show stopping encore of Been There Before and a wonderfully ragged, stop-start, grand finale of These Days (again assisted by Trevor and Hannah on vocal duties) leaving the crowd (and me) baying for yet more.

Live Champs is a mind-blowing live album, the band are in glorious form throughout, Danny’s vocals are incredible from folky croon to soulful holler, whilst the song selection highlights the rich and varied sound of the band’s back catalogue. As for production, well it’s so crisp, you can almost smell the cider from the punter by the bar, few live albums truly capture a live atmosphere, but this one does and then some, it leaves you elated, drained and desperate for a repeat performance, like all memorable gigs do.

If you buy one live album, no scrap that one album period, this year make it Live Champs, the perfect document of the best live act in the UK right now.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 10

www.dannyandthechamps.com

25 September, 2014

Matt Woosey-Wildest Dreams

Filed under: acoustic,blues,country,Recorded Reviews,roots,soul — Tags: matt woosey, new album, wildest dreams — willmunn @ 19:54

 

Wildest Dreams, Matt Woosey, Album Release November 3rd

Most of you who have seen and heard Matt Woosey perform, either solo, or with his band, will know him to be a talented blues man, acoustic guitarist and an excellent writer. Matt does not need to fill his set with blues classics, though sometimes the odd song may be slipped in. He is also gifted with an excellent voice, capable of gentle, melodic country songs or spitting out the grit when a bit of passion is required. His last full album, ‘On The Wagon’, has provided plenty of material for a Woosey gig, a follow up EP bridged the gap to this new release, Wildest Dreams. This is where we find new elements to Matt’s work, the style is more expansive. There is still a blues connection, its an anchor that does not lift easily, but the album opens into new areas, Matt is spreading his wings. My initial thought on first play through was, wow, this is bloody good. Dissect it and you will certainly find blue veins, but you’ll also find a a massive heart, pumping out rock, country, maybe even some gypsy jazz. It starts with a beautifully written and performed,’Exactly As We Please’, a song about shared moments alone with someone you love. Then comes Wildest Dreams, bags of reverb opening with Tom Tom, and finding an ethereal Matt, evoking feelings of Woodstock and an almost forgotten era of peace and love.

‘I’ve Seen The Bottom’, starts slightly sullen and blue, but quickly bursts into a glorious rock anthem complete with Hammond Organ, and great, emotive, one liner lyrics. ‘Don’t Tell Nobody’, is a deliciously dark tale of forbidden fruits, and is, quite simply, superb.

Here we switch to the near 3 minutes of mesmerising gypsy jazz finger picking guitar lead in to, ‘Love Is The Strangest Thing’, where the lyrics float in like a sea mist, and still that guitar plays on. Two songs are lifted straight from The previous EP, always destined, I suspect, for an album, ‘Hook Line & Sinker’ is joined by ‘let It Flow’, both very worthy inclusions. This album was recorded, mixed and mastered in 4 days flat, at Monnow Valley Studio under Tony Hobden. Dave Small on percussion, was also joined by Paul Quin on Hammond, and Rob Newell on bass. Including ‘Hook Line & Sinker’, is pretty appropriate, because that is exactly how it grabs you. Its difficult to select a favourite or stand out track, they are all that good, but I do particularly like the steamy, ‘Don’t Tell Nobody’. This is a long way from being a formulaic album, the genre are varied, with the common thread of Woosey talent stitching it all together. To record this in just a few days, points to the select group of collaborators and the inspiration engendered by Lisa, Matt’s partner.

I cannot find the words to do justice to this CD, it is stunningly good, it deserves to find a much wider market than the blues genre alone, can provide. Matt has long demonstrated his musical credentials, a good vintage has matured into a premier Cru.

 

Words Graham Munn

4 September, 2013

David Rotheray-Answer Ballads

Filed under: acoustic,Blog,folk,Recorded Reviews,soul — Tags: answer ballads, david rotheray, eliza carthy, john smith, julie murphy, Kathryn Williams, lisa knapp, naomi bedford, new album — willmunn @ 14:11

David Rotheray is an acclaimed singer-songwriter who to date is probably best known for his work alongside paul heaton as part of Beautiful South, but in recent times David has been working both solo and on his acoustic project Homespun.

Answer Ballads showcases yet another compelling side to the pen of David Rotheray, as he takes thirteen classic songs such as Maggie May, Jolene and Roxanne then write a response from the fictional characters (from the original song) in collaboration with some of the most familiar names in modern day folk music.

Now I believe in honesty being the best policy, so I will admit to approaching this album with more than a little trepidation, I can’t say I was a fan of pop-laden overtures of The Beautiful South and I have to admit to walking out on Homespun,once a few years back, but saying that I like to think of myself to be open-minded and with the various intriguing names attached to this project I put my preconceptions to one side and moved on.

The track, Mrs Jone’s Song (loosely based on the character from Billy Paul hit, Me & Mr Jones) instantly sets Answer Ballads apart from David Rotheray’s previous work as he mixes subtle piano, heartfelt strings and gorgeous vocal harmonies to accompany the beautiful, delicate vocals of Lisa Knapp creating a wonderful, captivating opening number that instantly intrigues and compels. Maggie’s Song (from Maggie May’s point of view) is next up and offers up an early highlight as acoustic guitar, piano and pattered percussion are used to weave a majestic spell, whilst the ever wondrous Eliza Carthy delivers a stunning narrative vocal that begs repeat spins.

As the album continues, so do the musical delights, Kathryn Williams delivers a spellbinding vocal on the sparse and somewhat bleak yet brilliant two and half minute Roxanne’s Song. John Smith takes the lead for the folky Billy Joe’s Song and delivers a lovely croon and whistle, whilst Naomi Bedford delivers a stunning soul holler on the instantly infectious and blustery Bobby’s Song showcasing yet another string to Rotheray’s already impressive song arranging abilities. And no review of Answer Ballads would be complete without a mention of the glorious closing number, Jolene’s Song featuring a simply mesmeric vocal courtesy of Julie Murphy over the backdrop of sweeping strings and haunting piano, a breathtaking finale to an always captivating album.

Answer Ballads is a somewhat inspired release, not only showcasing a number of the biggest names in the folk world, delivering a collection of heart warming and touching vocals, but also shows David Rotheray to be something of a maverick visionary, inspired curator and evocative creator, talents that have gone somewhat unheard on previous projects. Forget The Beautiful South, etc, Answer Ballads is a stripped down work of joy from start to finish.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 9

 

1 May, 2013

Blue Rose Code-Julie EP

Filed under: acoustic,folk,Recorded Reviews,soul — Tags: blue rose code, EP, Julie — willmunn @ 19:41

This one was sent to me back a few months back, a bleak for music and time for me, a time of upheaveal and change, a new address and too much time to self reflect, a time when writing reviews seemed more of a chore than the usual pleasure I once encountered. Months down the line and touch wood my passion for words and music has returned and it’s time to catch up on a few bits and bobs.

Talking of upheaval as we were (though mine pale in comparison), let me give you a quick bit of background on London based, Edinburgh born Blue Rose Code (or Ross Wilson as he’s mostly known). Ross as a child was raised by his grandmother in a council high rise, he began to skip school finding his only solace in music (the likes of Van Morrison, John Martyn, Tom Waits, Chet Baker and Motown, soon drugs and drink took hold in an effort to erase his tough upbringing, music seemed to be his only companion during dark times. Following the death of his grandmother Ross decided to escape to the bright lights of London and began to perform and write songs receiving early praise for his live performances. Soon he found himself sharing the stage with the likes of Bert Jansch, King Creosote, James Yorkston and Kris Driver to name but a few, but sill his addictions held firm and eventually he decided to give up his music altogether. Redemption stangely took place over in the US and thanks to the persuasion of friends he once again took up his guitar and eventually returning to hte UK to snowballing acclaim and a deal with the ever excellent Reveal Records (Simone Felice, Kris Driver, Lau, Boo Heawardine, Joan As Police Woman, etc).

Julie is a limited edition four track EP (still available and well worth tracking down!!!) that showcases the stunning combination of stripped down acoustic folk and Caledonian soul, that nods and winks to those early influences of John Martyn and Van Morrison but has a rich passion that’s very much that of Ross Wilson alone.

The EP opens with the sensational title track (also featured on the album, North Ten), an upbeat infectious number that opens with a solo acoustic guitar, before shuffling drums and violin joins in the heady mix to create a country/folk tinged number complete with a brilliant combined group vocal finale that could and should appeal to the fans of Mumford & Sons and the alike . Having already eclipsed the mere tag of singer-songwriter Ross continues to captivate with the gorgeous radio edit of Love a  passionate song that opens with a solo acoustic guitar, before swelling with sweeping strings and female backing vocals to create  a  soulful, seductive lovers lament that brims with heartfelt passion and desire. From there Ross delivers the wondrous and atmospheric Acquainted With The Night (bringing to mind the aforementioned late great John Martyn, before rounding of the EP with a sumptuous rendition of the Gillian Welch number Everything Is Free blending together the originals folky Americana roots with his own take on harmonica fuelled Gaelic soul.

As introductions go or as a side order to the Blue Rose Code album, North Ten, this is a stunning and essential four-track affair that left me speechless, spellbound and filled with emotion.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 10

www.bluerosecode.com

www.revealrecords.com

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