Maurice Hope – May 2, 2016 at 06:50AM
Tags:_AMERICANA
Steeped in pure as spring water from a mountain stream Look To The West embrace the folk music of the British Isles with both hands, and with lead vocalists Jenny and Martin Schaub and writers of note West Of Eden taps into the heart and soul of fans of the art. Not least of the six-piece Swedish band’s talent are Jenny Schaub’s incisive and beautiful vocals and wonderful harmony supported by the playing that likewise displays finely textured Celtic tones.
Regular visitors to these shores West Of Eden have performed at the Celtic Connections, and performed or recorded with members of the Chieftains, Ron Block (Allison Krauss’ Union Station), Alan Kelly Band, Anuna, Wolfstone and Kate Rusby to name but a few. Utilising acoustic, tenor, electric guitar, Dobro, accordion, pump organ, mandolin, electric, double bass, piano, percussion, drums, Bodhran and celesta members Lars Broman, Martin Holmlund, Ola Karlevo, Henning Sernhede and the Schaub’s lay down a wonderfully solid and diverse foundation.
On first hearing West Of Eden I found it difficult to believe they weren’t from these shores, such their attachment. As for their songs it allows listeners from these shores to look at immigration from a different than usual angle as they sing of “Going To Hull”, “Wilson Line” and with Martin on lead vocals “The List” plus with adventure run through its veins and Martin and Jenny perform in tandem on track-track “Look To The West”. It isn’t all about looking to the future as in “Oh, I Miss My Home” helps bring some balance to the emotions of those having to move away in search of a better life. The skill of the band and is captured on instrumentals “Paddy Fahey’s/ Sweel” (Celtic) and “Tekla’s Tune” (imagery rich and soulful).
“Please Mister Agent” may have a jaunty, old style folksy rhythm run through it but the lyrics are dark, and from a trouble young wife unable to stand the sight of her husband who can’t wait to go work for The White Star Company and with the likes of “The Final Cut” as final goodbyes are spoken on departing Sweden for the last time.
Maurice Hope
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