Chance encounters, journalism, literature, film and music; experiences that might otherwise have passed unnoticed.  These are just of a few of the everyday events that provide inspiration to Our Man In The Field for his new album, Silverado.

NEW SOUNDS – NEW SUBJECTS

Otherwise known as singer/songwriter Alex Ellis, Our Man In The Field (and let’s refer to him as OMiTF from now on) is becoming a regular feature within these pages.  Back in 2023, his sophomore album, Gold on the Horizon, drew comparisons to Ralph McTell, Paul Brady and Van Morrison from our writer.  He went on to describe the album as ‘…a cracker.’

Then, earlier this summer, Wall of Sound, the lead single to what we now know as OMiTF’s third album, Silverado, slipped across our desk.  Again, we reveled in the channeling of Van the Man and considered our appetites whetted for what was to come.

Recorded at British Grove Studios in Chiswick and produced by Dire Straits/Roxy alumnus Guy Fletcher, Silverado sees Alex exploring new sounds and subject matter.  The eleven songs that constitute Silverado take their inspiration from chance encounters, journalism, literature, film and music, conversations and experiences that might have passed unnoticed.  Everyday events, in other words.

A STELLAR CAST

Alex has managed to persuade a stellar cast of musicians to contribute to Silverado although, with a few exceptions, those contributions are not immediately apparent without the aid of a ‘cheat sheet.’  But – take it on good authority – amongst these excellent sounds, the diligent listener will pick out vocal and instrumental murmurings from Ethan Johns, Sonny Landreth, PP Arnold, Robbie McIntosh, Nick Pini, Will Fry, as well as from producer Guy Fletcher.

It’s Fletcher’s history with Dire Straits that makes the immediate impact on Don’t Think About it Anymore, the album’s opening track – notably in the interplay between Alex’s vocals and the bursts of guitar.  The song is fast-paced, the rhythm is sharp and punchy and Alex’s vocals are plaintive in tone and typically crystal clear.

A shuffling drumbeat sets the agenda for Doing Alright and the highlights are supplied by sprinkles of guitar.  The song is laid-back and folky, with a mellow country groove and there’s a touch of world weariness to Alex’s voice as he sings: “Doin’ alright.  Don’t want another drink.  Don’t want another smoke.”  He’s in THAT kind of a mood, it’s clear, and the mood comes across in his delivery.

REGGAE & CELTIC R&B

Atmospheric and evocative of the open spaces of the American west, Silverado – the album’s title track – is an easy-going number with a rich mix of piano, organ and strummed acoustic guitar all topped off by flashes of pedal steel.  And there are even a few touches of late-night, sleazy jazz evident as Alex namechecks such American iconography as the Stars ‘n’ Stripes, Diet Coke, Joan Rivers, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock and more.

The reggae rhythm that provides the propulsion to the excellent A Simple Life comes as something of a surprise, but the surprise is a pleasant one.  The pumps of organ and blasts of brass give the song a joyful, Caribbean feel, but pedal steel and a few well-placed country guitar licks ensure that the links to the good ol’ US are retained.  At least for now.  Alex serves up a mellow vocal and the soulful backing vocals from (is it you, PP?) are passionate; almost provocative…

Back in June, we enthused over the Van Morrison influence that seems to pervade every groove of Wall of Sound, the album’s lead single.  And that influence continues to light the light of delight, through the song’s intrinsic Celtic R&B, the choice of instrumentation (predominantly organ and sax) and through Alex’s vocal phrasing.

SOUL TIME

We move from Celtic R&B to something rooted more on the eastern seaboard of the USA, for the softly funky Come On.  The band are in full control, with piano and guitar meshing tightly around the drumbeat.  Alex’s voice is almost tearful as he reflects upon the situation that life has placed him in, prompting him to plead to be given ‘a little longer.’

The soulward progress continues with No More – a slice of white soul of the type that would be served up by the Average White Band or even Ian Dury’s Blockheads.  The rhythm is truly funky and provides the drive to the strident blend of brass, smouldering organ and ice-cool guitar licks.  And Alex rises to the soulful occasion with a confident, assertive vocal.

Alex’s lyrics to These Are The Days, the album’s second single, were inspired by the documentaries of Adam Curtis and their exploration of modern life.  “I remember watching ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head,’” says Adam, “and being struck by its central idea: the collapse of collective ideals and the rise of personal anxieties that increasingly define modern life.”  The song opens with a quasi-psychedelic organ figure, before strings cut in and take the song in a direction that recalls Marvin Gaye’s What’s Goin’ On? – albeit in a country, pedal steel-tinged kind of way.

DYSTOPIAN TALES

Arguably the album’s centrepiece, the sultry, folky War of the Worlds is an epic dystopian ballad.  Alex holds the listener’s attention with a gripping, intriguing story and it actually takes a couple of listens before the full glory of the track becomes apparent.  The band work a special; brand of magic as Alex unfolds his lyrical tale and piano, bass, guitars, organ and sax all rise and fall with the drama of the story.

There’s a long and thoughtful intro to Smoke in the Wind before Alex deigns to engage in a deep session of self-reflection.  The discrete, choir-like harmonies that punctuate Alex’s reflections are utterly sublime, as are the slide guitar solos that step forward whilst the band bubble and simmer.

A SONG OF SUBSTANCE

Closing track, Something Has Got to Be Done, was inspired by journalist Jon Snow’s report from a children’s hospital in Gaza and by a chance meeting between Alex and Snow in Paris, following the 2015 terrorist attacks there.  The serious messages within the song: “How do I sleep at night?  How do I look my children in the eye and say ‘It’s alright,” are not diluted by the upbeat Dire Straits-like tune.  It’s a song of substance; a song for our times – and all profits from the track are to be donated to the War Child charity.

Our Man In The Field is currently preparing to take Silverado on tour – in the UK and across Europe.  The itinerary and details of ticket availability can be found here.

You can hear These Are The Days, the album’s second and most recent single, below:

Our Man In The Field: Website

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