Phil Lee: The Mighty Kings of Love (Shanachie)
Calling all 49-year-old undiscovered hopefuls, here's the example to inspire. Nashville resident Phil Lee is obviously a patient man, but on the cusp of his half century he has recorded a debut album filled with gritty country, meaty rockabilly and a dash of Dylan-esque twang. Perhaps he honed these songs while driving an 18-wheeler in his previous life as a trucker, or while hammering out another set in some dingy honky-tonk. Certainly there is a whiff of the real bar-room sound in his lived-in voice, his direct lyrics and his ability to unleash a slashed chord or six. Yes, it is rough and therein lies much of the pleasure. The Nashville production line would run a mile at the thought of Phil Lee. More power to him.
- Joe Breen
John Renbourn and Stefan Grossman: Keeper of the Vine (Shanachie Records)
Subtitled "the best of", this collection is a delight for any lover of acoustic guitar. Renbourn has been one of the key figures in British folk music over the past 30 years or so, with his solo work and time with Pentangle among the highlights. Grossman is also a traditionalist, albeit an American one, and his metier is blues of every hue; indeed, his tutorials were starting points for many guitarists. Together this duo combine to create a fascinating blend of intricate styles, with Grossman's complex finger-picking set against Renbourn's more elegant playing. The tunes come from both sides of the Atlantic including folk, blues and beyond. On the debit side, Renbourn's use of electric guitar fails the test of time - but overall, this is a worthy compilation.
- Joe Breen
