Elly Roberts reviews
Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies:
Tenterhooks - The Art Edition
Distributed by
Tantobie Records
- Cat.no: TTRCD 106
- Released: August 2005
- Rating: 10/10
It seems absurd
when you think of the talentless idiots like Baby Shambles'
Pete Doherty making the headlines for all the wrong reasons; it then beggars
belief that someone like Jez Lowe isn't getting the general public's
attention.
Here is a man with an abundance of natural talent in every
department. Hard-working Lowe has been on the fringe of household fame for
many years as a stalwart of the folk scene. Highly respected by critics and
fans alike for some wonderful albums and live shows since the mid-80s, his
1995 Tenterhooks get a dust down with six bonus tracks from an earlier album
Banners, which lamented the demise of coal-mining in the region.
Emerging from the burgeoning north east England folk scene in the '80s, this album was
his third recording with his band The Bad Pennies - Bev Saunders (vocals/percussion),
Bob Surgeoner (double bass and keyboards), Billy Surgeoner
(violin/reeds/whistles and keyboards). Many folkies such as the Dubliners
and Fairport Convention have covered his songs, so he's in good company.
Previous inspiration was firmly rooted in his native north east, but world
touring brought a new songwriting palette, a worldlier vision and
inspiration which first surfaced on Tenterhooks. These confessional and
observational songs are simply beautiful, both lyrically and melodically.
Sensitivity drives his vocals at every level as they tenderly float,
occasionally giving a nod to tradition, (sometimes to his Irish roots, found
in particular on the jaunty The Guilts) and hint of Scottish leanings all
thrown in the mix. The music follows rather than leads. Musicianship is top
drawer and the band gel together perfectly. When individuals get their shot
at solos they keep it within the cohesive frame work, and never hog the
limelight e.g. Bait Up. You'll find brass, violins, flutes, saxophone
(sublime solo on A Long Walk Home) and all sorts of sounds, but it's never a
cacophony. A children's choir pop-up to add ambience on an all too brief one
minute thirty two seconds of Ready For Tomorrow. There's an easy flow from
track to track: sometimes you can't spot the join even though songs are
varied. Despite bringing the genre up to date and timeless at that, he never
loses sight of his folkie sensibilities.
This is the kind of album to get
you 'into' folk music, and then spread out to seek the likes of Martin
Carthy, Dave Swarbrick, and Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson et al. Not
as 'rootsy' as the latter artists, he's got a good ear for bring things
forward, and this album could be enjoyed by everyone as all tracks are
accessible, which makes the entire CD a dream-like experience.
Finding a highlight is almost impossible as every song is a delight, but as I'm bound
to choose, Homefires is outstanding, as is his dueting with Bev Saunders on
the Celtic-tinged Dry Seasoned Land. This album will sound just as great in
another ten years.
A forgotten gem brought back to life - and more.
Verdict - A Real work of art.
The full list of tracks included are :
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
