Founded
by label boss David Rodgers in 2002 this
new label 'Acoustic Roots' is a fresh and welcome independent on the
U.K. folk scene. Scotland already has some fine independents such
as Greentrax who focus on the traditional side of the folk coin but
for once we in the U.K. have a label that has set about professionally
releasing singer-songwriter material of real quality. Something that
has been all too hit and miss in the past. By linking up with Signature
Sounds in the U.S. it has already released some fine recordings and
more are in the pipeline. This hopefully means that obtaining such
material will no longer involve internet scouring or costly import
duties.
So what does the burgeoning roster look like? Well first release was
local Scots songwriter Carol Laula who had already gained plaudits
for her independently released CDs 'Still', 'Precious Little Victories'
and 'Naked'. Acoustic Roots release AR001 was her new recording 'First
Disciple' in 2002.
first disciple ..........AR001
She is reminiscent of a more rock/pop orientated Mary Chapin Carpenter
although her more rockier settings leave this particular listener
cold and she is far more effective with a simpler backing as she proved
with a strong live performance as support to Eliza Gilkyson on her
recent tour. The writing is there and the voice so hopefully now she
has a stable label her undoubted talent will blossom. If you're a
fan of intelligent writing and the afore-mentioned Carpenter or Rosanne
Cash or Patty Griffin she's a homegrown talent to keep an eye on she
just hasn't recorded that essential disc yet. AR002 the label's second
release re-released the 'Still' album from 1992 which has some good
songs but dated production.
Miles from the lightning AR003
With
third release Jeffrey Foucault's 'Miles from the Lightning'
the AR label really came back from the mine with a diamond. One of
the strongest first releases by a singer-songwriter in years this
astounding young man's debut - Foucault is now pressing 27 years of
age! - firmly announces a major new talent on the block. Part texan
troubadour - Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Jerry Jeff Walker - and
equal part midwesterner regionalist in Greg Brown and Kenneth Rexroth
mould its a delight from beginning to end. Standout tracks include
his homage and title track 'Miles from the Lightning' and the atmospheric
'Buckshot Moon' where he really comes close to matching his heroes.
But all the tracks are strong and the writing of a high order. He
knows his place and his influences and wears them well and although
at times the writing can become a little too dense as if he was trying
to pack too much imagery into the line there's still some wonderous
wordplay. Matched with a fluid and consummate guitar play ( he regularly
plays with Peter Mulvey and Chris Smither and it's obvious:-) and
you have an artist to watch. It's too early to start talking about
the 'new.....whatever' but he will certainly be around for a long
time to come.
The basics are all there and he has a down to earth approach which
augers well for future releases.
He will be touring the U.K. in August 2003 ( see
news page) and is really worth seeing.
For further info. including downloadable MP3s and lyrics
http://www.jeffreyfoucault.com
Ten thousand mornings..AR004
Peter
Mulvey's reputation was already high on the back of a set of critically
well recieved cds, theatre pieces and awards all over the place when
he embarked on recording 'Ten thousand mornings'. A kind of homage
to his days busking where he learnt the effortless and awe-inspiring
guitar technique that has placed him in the top players in the states
this recording took place entirely on location in the subway where
he used to busk. The album is a highly entertaining selection of covers
that pays homage to his influences and there's not a bad take on the
cd. Helping him out are a A-list of talented cohorts including Chris
Smither, Jennifer Kimball ( now of Maybe Baby) David Goodrich and
Erin McKeown amongst others. He covers tracks from Los Lobos ( Two
Janes), Elvis Costello ( Oliver's Army), Paul Simon ( Stranded in
a Limousine) and Lennon/McCartney ( For No One) ..for the rest you'll
have to buy the CD.... Possibly this listeners favourite is his take
of the trad. tune recently covered by Be Good Tanyas 'Rain and Snow'
which I prefer to their version. If there is any gripe about the recordings
it is that the subway recording concept is pretty much immaterial
as either there were many takes or the recording was doctored later
as the way the trains slide in and out at end of tracks is too fortuitous
by half and it doesn't feel like a completely 'live' take . Secondly
such is the quality of mikes and Roland digital recording that it
is hardly a amateurish setup. The recording could as easily been made
in a studio and would have made little difference to the sound of
the CD...more an affection and it gained some extra publicity for
novelty but not really an essential part of the songs on offer which
more than hold their own. I haven't heard any of Mulvey's actual recorded
work and this is a fine and mouth-watering introduction. More a side
salad in his career but suggests the main courses are sumptuous.
Five stories AR005
Finally and very much
not least is AR005 Kris Delmhorst's 'Five stories' which is
more fully reviewed elsewhere in FSR (
click here). An entirely impressive recording produced with Morphine's
Billy Conway and along with Foucault's disc one of the two essential
purchases from the first batch of AR discs! Delmhorst is set to release
her new CD 'Songs for a hurricane' through Acoustic Roots here in
September and this reviewer is anticipating another class recording.
Pieces of me AR006
Finally since starting this overview the label has released AR006
Lori McKenna's 'Pieces of me' on May 28th but as not heard
cannot comment but am sure is up to rest of roster's impressively
high standards.
Future release plans include the wonderful
Brooks Williams's 'Nectar' in October and a new CD from Carol
Laula in November 2003. All in all a fantastic start for a new
setup and we at FSR wish it all the best in bringing more quality
music to these shores.
SDB August 2003
