I've
been eagerly awaiting along with the other Jammie Dodgers (fans) Simon's latest
album and I'm thrilled to get an advanced release of Happy Ever After.
Produced by Kevin Duncan, this is the first album Simon has released since
signing to Ginger Dog Records.
It's a
dark and gritty album that highlights the beauty of a range of traditional instruments
across the tracks: pedal steel, Hammond organ, violin, keys and of course
guitar. A few clever studio tricks do all they can to emphasise Simon's voice.
I particularly love track 4 - Wishing Well, a funky tune that lends
an eerie effect to Simon's voice which fits perfectly to the lyrics. This song,
and track 7 - I Don't Know, particularly the instrumental part ,and
the dark words would be suitable for the American TV series: True
Blood , another favourite of mine. For anyone who isn't familiar with
the series it’s an American dark fantasy horror television series based on The Southern
Vampire Mysteries, containing award winning music from Nathan Barr and Jace Everett creating a swampy, bluesy and spooky effect; featuring the cello,
guitar, prepared piano, and glass harmonica among other instruments.
As
with all good country music there are the stories of a life less than perfect,
solitude (track 3); self-doubt (track 9), alcoholism, and missing loved ones
but the songs reassure us that there is a comfort to be found and something
worth fighting for. Happily, the album ends on a positive note with Ready
to Fly, encouraging you to take a chance.
These
are gorgeous, honest, heartfelt
songs.
Simon
hasn't lost his storytelling ability, but these stories are shared by the
gauchos around the campfire, on a dark night when they miss their loved ones.
Listen closely to introduction of track 3 - Solitary Road, before the fiddle kicks in and the
beat picks up, it sets the scene and describes the characters.
Alternatively, we could be sat looking out the window on a dark and rainy
day.
Not unexpectedly,
Simon is supported by Sam Coe on the album, you can hear her
harmonies in track 5 - Oh Honey, and a rather unexpected harmony in
track 8 - Something Worth Fighting For, adding an extra
dimension to both songs and in Something Worth Fighting For, a harmony
that just adds a touch of sweetness to soften the raw emotion of the song.
Pour yourself
a whiskey, sit back on your own and just reflect.
If you
see Simon, give him a hug.
Happy Ever After, the new album from Simon James is available from 28 June
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