After a break of over 20 years I thought I'd have another bash at growing a goatee. In the late 90s the hair may have started to grey, but my facial whiskers remained resolutely full and dark. In 2018, however, I look into the bathroom mirror and see, with horror, Kenny Rogers looking back at me. Where did it all go wrong?
A couple of days ago Ryley Walker announced that his new LP, 'Deafman Glance', will be released on May 18th. This is of course splendid news for yours truly and somewhat alleviated my bristle related gloom. The first taster from from the record is the rather lovely 'Telluride Speed'.
Almost exactly 12 months on from his first visit, Ryley Walker last night returned to the Norwich Arts Centre to promote his imminent third LP, 'Golden Sings That Have Been Sung'. As with last year's concert, the recorded versions of his songs serve as mere sketches for Ryley, and his two superb backing musicians, to build on - adding instrumental flourishes, extended breaks and virtual raga-esque passages that completely transfix the partisan audience. Walker's affable onstage demeanour is in stark contrast with the absolute intensity of his performance - how many other musicians invite their entire audience over to the pub for a drink after the show? Come to think of it, how many other performers give out their home address from the stage, offering a place to crash if any of us are ever in Chicago? I scribbled it down, just in case.
Talking of scribbling down, grab a pen and paper and make a note of this name - Holly Macve, Ryley Walker's support act last night. She's young, English and signed to Bella Union, though she sounds for all the world like cross between Patsy Cline and Paula Frazer. Quite incredible. The songs are as strong as the voice, but there's no album just yet. Definitely one to watch out for. 'Corner Of My Mind' is the first taste of what's to come.
Mrs S had a bad case of the dreaded lurgy for a couple of weeks in the run-up to Christmas, though thankfully felt a lot better come
the big day. Now, somewhat inevitably, I can feel myself going quickly downhill with similar symptoms. Joints are aching,
throat is sore and my brain is even more cloudy and befuddled than usual. So I'll be keeping my spiel to
a minimum over the next 4 days as I unveil my favourite 20 albums of the year. Most of these artists
have put in an appearance on the blog at some point, some more than once. Any that haven't will no doubt feature
in greater depth in due course. I've included a tune with each entry, though not necessarily my absolute favourite, as I've tried not to duplicate any
previous postings. Here's the first batch....
A dollop of Tim Buckley and a generous pinch of Bert Jansch will set you in the general direction of Ryley Walker's music. You can discover the rest of the ingredients for yourself. His recent LP, 'Primrose Green', is one of 2015's finest and I'm very pleased to have bagged a ticket for a show on his forthcoming UK tour.
