Maurice Hope – August 16, 2016 at 06:35PM
Tags:_AMERICANA
I did not get to hear this record when it was originally released, but now with it being reissued and a UK talked tour about I’ve now been given the opportunity to hear the record. To hear Richie Stearns once again is especially good news. On saying this must not be seen as a reflection on Rosie Newton, for though she is a new name to me she too is a rare talent! Her credits include tours with The Duhks, Louisiana act Preston Frank and Kristin Andreassen plus others.
I have long been a fan of Stearns (The Horse Flies, Donna The Buffalo). A man who has played and recorded with Natalie Merchant, his banjo playing is all over her album The House Carpenter’s Daughter. I have longed to hear more of the same vein from him, and now at long last my wish has come true because the album is other than two songs that feature Willie Watson on guitar (“Ruben’s Train” and “Hangman’s Reel”) is entirely made up of the sublime fiddle of Newton and banjo from Stearns.
Supplementing the selection of traditional songs the duo have four of their own tunes, Newton’s frenetic instrumental composition “Take It Or Leave It” and three from Stearns. “I Am With You Always” is a perfect vehicle for them, and it sounds as old as the hills, and with their harmonies as rich as at any time on the album it’s a huge winner. Likewise, Newton’s handle on lead vocals on Townes Van Zandt’s “If I Needed You” the only other non-traditional tune ticks all the boxes, and though covered numerous times I feel this one was still required.
Awash in rustic charm and beautifully understated playing the listener is well and truly spoilt, and when it comes to 5-star songs “Say Darling Say” with Stearns to the fore, and the harmonies and playing amazingly tight the variation of “Hush Little Baby” is most impressive. There is more in the form of “Willow Garden”, mid-paced instrumental “Lost Goose” and a version of country blues “Trouble In Mind”. Placing the icing on the cake Watson’s guitar playing on the above noted “Rueben’s Train” and “Hangman’s Reel”.
Now we only need wait till next year, fingers crossed, for the duo to make it over to the UK.
Maurice Hope
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