Andy Stuart goes behind the scenes, digging deep into the creation of Big Big Train’s Woodcut album.

Another fine Prog Rock production from  Kingmaker Publishing 

THE ART OF DIGGING DEEP

Andy Stuart digs deep into exactly what it says on the tin in his companion to Big Big Train’s Woodcut album. Marking their first ever concept album – the Prog band rite of passage – he delivers literally everything you need, or would want to know. No stone unturned, no question unanswered. And should there be any stones and questions remaining may they be trivial ones.

A book that emerged from the crafting of the album’s liner notes, the realization after talking to the band that the story deserved the status of more than just album liner notes – there was a book here. As Andy notes in the intro, this is a personal perspective, “an extended version of those ‘first reaction’ videos on YouTube, rather than the definitive verdict.” He possibly does himself a disservice as his analysis and lines of enquiry that accompany the copious images and top class layout and presentation which are a Kingmaker trademark, surely reflect what the Passenger fan group would want to know.

FRANKIE SAYS

He’s already mentioned the idea of ‘sweat equity’ and the all encompassing immersion that Prog Rock and vinyl LPs bring and backs it up in an interesting fashion, by referencing FGTH’s Welcome To The Pleasuredome from the mid Eighties that occupied similar spaces beyond the music. Who else had the iconic ‘Frankie says’ T shirt that was the de rigeur clothing item of the era or bought into the merchandising opportunities that were part and parcel of that album package?

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

Heading down the rabbit hole, as you do – or at least as BBT fans/Passengers do – there’s a chunk (sorry…) of text dedicated to the art of woodcutting. Maybe a section that the more impatient readers/fans amongst us might, for the time being, skip and return to once the sweeter meat on the bone has been devoured, although the name William Morris might cause some to pause.

Fans who’ve already explored The Artist’s Workshop – the BBT microsite dedicated to the album – might well recognise some of the quotes as from Andy’s interviews with the likes of Gregory Spawton, Clare Lindley and Alberto Bravin. What’s significant is how the narrative makes clear how the voice of Clare Lindley has risen to the surface on this album as musician, songwriter and singer. A contribution he notes as the ‘internal’ voice of the album (Gregory being ‘the external’) whilst shining the spotlight on the excitement of a new collaborator alongside the Spawton/Bravin partnership.

Maintaining the Kingmaker house style in layout, two large sections gather photographs from the recording sessions at Sweetwater – expect cats, vintage amps and instruments, goofing around, informal and studious poses and almost at the halfway mark, we’re all set up to head into the album. And in doing so, while Andy doesn’t profess to offer the sort of deep investment in the album as the band themselves – who could? – but listening to the album (“a constant companion“) during the period writing the book gives him enough heads up insight to be able to comment on the music with some authority.

THEIR BEST ALBUM…

One that has him declaring “their best album for a number of reasons.” Those reasons? Well, in true cliffhanger style , buy the book to find out the answer…and much, much more.

Images of handwritten lyrics and notes, not only show the development of ideas via the musicians’ working documents, and for anyone who thought Gregory Spawton’s signature was a little indecipherable, check out his lyrics! They also provide confirmation that Clare Lindley is responsible for A LOT of the lyrics – meticulously presented it has to be said (Greg take note…) – and is more than worthy of her place on the BBT rostrum with Greg and Alberto.

There may even be some element of succession planning – suggestions of plenty in the archive for 2036 and the ten year anniversary…a remaster, some sort of atmos hi def version together with outtakes, alternatives, live material, laminates, plectrums and an Andy Stuart update.

A SIGNIFICANT POINT

A writer who has the wherewithal to understand and anticipate ‘what would the fans like to know’, Andy Stuart has certainly earned his BBT spurs. His touring exploits on the 2023 The Journey Continues Tour already in print, recorded in the huge A View From The Embankment work (another fine Kingmaker publication also available at Burning Shed…).

A smart move in anticipating and marking a significant point on the journey, let’s simply state that his latest work is a genuinely essential companion to a wonderful album. Ignore at your peril.

Our Woodcut album review

Available from the wonderful sales desk at Burning Shed.

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