Post by James SftBH on Sept 28, 2007 0:57:06 GMT 1
If there is such thing as a local super-group (and I see no reason why there shouldn’t be) then SFTBH certainly fit the bill. Without taking anything away from the rest of the group, James Partridge is in many ways the main man. He’s been a key figure on the Suffolk music scene for well over twenty years and never once during that time has he been prepared to rest on his laurels. These days he’s married with a family but don’t think for one moment that out come the pipe and slippers when he gets home from work. Far from it, James has got plenty of music left in the tank and he’s now singing and playing better than ever. His writing remains as sharp as it was in the days of As Is.
Guitarist and singer Shane Kirk has always been a great foil for James and together they’ve written four songs on Tree. All but one of the dozen tracks are originals with the only cover being their unique take on Blue Oyster Cult’s rock classic (Don’t Fear) The Reaper.
The musicianship is right out of the top drawer with guests like pedal steel guitarist Nick Zala, cellist Liz Townsend and AloneMe’s Sarah Springett and David Booth adding some vital ingredients without ever coming close to stealing the show. This is very much a Songs From The Blue House affair. It’s the sort of album fans of The Waterboys will love and in fact, I’d go as far as to suggest that Mike Scott himself would have enjoyed being involved in this.
There’s a little bit of folk, country, bluegrass and pop but more importantly there’s a lot of Songs From The Blue House. I’m sure when I look back on 2007 this will be one of my favourite local albums. On second thoughts take out the word local, this stands up alongside music from anywhere in the world.
Stephen Foster (Ipswich Evening Star)
Guitarist and singer Shane Kirk has always been a great foil for James and together they’ve written four songs on Tree. All but one of the dozen tracks are originals with the only cover being their unique take on Blue Oyster Cult’s rock classic (Don’t Fear) The Reaper.
The musicianship is right out of the top drawer with guests like pedal steel guitarist Nick Zala, cellist Liz Townsend and AloneMe’s Sarah Springett and David Booth adding some vital ingredients without ever coming close to stealing the show. This is very much a Songs From The Blue House affair. It’s the sort of album fans of The Waterboys will love and in fact, I’d go as far as to suggest that Mike Scott himself would have enjoyed being involved in this.
There’s a little bit of folk, country, bluegrass and pop but more importantly there’s a lot of Songs From The Blue House. I’m sure when I look back on 2007 this will be one of my favourite local albums. On second thoughts take out the word local, this stands up alongside music from anywhere in the world.
Stephen Foster (Ipswich Evening Star)
