Beautiful debut LP by the London-based Glaswegian fingerstyle folk guitarist and singer-songwriter, with added saxophone, double bass, flute, clairsach and clarinet in a release of mostly the traditional, covers, sung or instrumental, and supported by the Bert Jansch Foundation. Also part of folk collective Les Caravanes, and previously of Avocet, Grassie’s intricate technique is most impressive, with Jansch certainly an inspiration among others including John Martyn, John Fahey, Richard Thompson and Dick Gaughan, the latter’s arrangement influencing one of the standouts, The Burning of Auchindoun. Instrumental opener Kishor’s is an instant demonstration of Grassie’s technique (with a DADGAD tuning), while Put The Blood, with added voice and cello, is given a brooding depth. The title track is another highlight, vivid wistful and emotional, coloured by added flute and backing vocals. Back Down Thurso Hill is a delicious finger-picked number with clever string bends, Caol Rua has a gorgeous Celtic warmth, but the quality endures from the swirling rhythms and sax of Orchy Falls, he broken-hearted False True Love to the pure finger intricacy of closer Return to Fingal. Timeless. Out on Broadside Hacks Recordings.
New to comment? It is quick and easy. You just need to login to Disqus once. All is explained in About/FAQs ...
Feel free to recommend more new songs and albums and comment below. You can also use the contact page, or find more on social media: Song Bar X, Song Bar Facebook. Song Bar YouTube, and Song Bar Instagram. Please subscribe, follow and share.
Song Bar is non-profit and is simply about sharing great music. We don’t do clickbait or advertisements. Please make any donation to help keep the Bar running: