Stephen Lawson / Bluenose B – more than just the average folkie.
Release Date: 1st September 2024
Label: Independent
Format: CD / DL / stream
A Liverpudlian whose empathy is with the people at the margins and their stories.
There’s a strong musical connection with Merry Hell, the trio of Simon Swarbrick, John and Virginia Kettle all playing varying roles alongside Rachel Lawson’s additional voclas. John in particular a long time musical companion. There’s also a strong connection in the themes that offer empathy and hope at times when life can serve up its share of struggles. There are plenty of those on which to ponder too. Just check the musings on By My Side or The Trap – bleak stories indeed. In the higher profile hands of Steve Knightley, we’d be claiming works of art in highlighting social injustices.
That said, the general air of optimism – not surprising considering the connections – stands proud, epitomised by the Raise A Glass reminder to live in the now; create “memories for future days” or even “tales to tell in the nursing home!“
The combo of the Morricone-esque and electric country kicks the title track into gear at the head of the set. The electric guitar is sharp and spiky, almost Thompson-esque at one point. Not for the first time on the album, the textures of expansive American landscapes are evoked. There’s a hint of a Frank Turner influence delivery in the speak-sing verses on Ride; the message coming in breathless wordage and the “don’t wanna ride this bike no more” line preceding a brassy joy.
The appearance of the fiddle part that rises from the swathes of strings in Samantha McCann, and “hey – it’s Simon Swarbrick!” He’s justifying his place on the teamsheet and adds a dutifully mournful part to the duet on Sweet Release. And the thought occurs that with the rolling rhythm, here’s the perfect tune for Sir Richard of Hawley.
An instant fave pops up on the Indie pop of My Girl Summer, all jangly guitars, rushes of fiddles and remembering golden skies in an invigorating chorus and “show me you still care/cuur” almost denying the scouse dialect. An example of wherever you stick a pin into Minstrel, you’ll be as close to dammit aato a lovely acoustic embellishment or melody
A lovely laid back vibe carries Walk Out Your Door, yet with a hint of minor key melancholy. Could it be in D minor (“the saddest of all keys…”)? Probably not but what it does offer is an achy Morrissey/Marr romantic idealism. And another track with which to champion the charms of Bluenose B.
Here’s Minstrel Of The Wasteland:
Bluenose B online: Website / Youtube
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