The latest Roots releases are reviewed
I DRAW SLOW
Downside No label ****
Louise Holden is one half of the brother-sister duo whose songs power this very impressive, if occasionally rough, debut album in the bluegrass/old time tradition.
Ms Holden is a contributor to this paper's education pages, but the songs (written by her brother Dave and herself) easily eclipse her previous creative bursts. The rest of the five-piece band is actually drawn from another, the excellent Prison Love, and they help colour and drive the music, particularly Adrian Hart on fiddle. However, the real joy here lies in the songs and her singing of them - even if at times she could project her voice more. There can't be too many tunes about lesbians in lighthouses, certainly none as infectious and intriguing as Ligthhouse. Santiago, Little Switzerland, Sisken Song, That Boy's Not Fair and Dead in the Morning are all steeped in tradition but rendered fresh and colourful in the telling. One to watch. www.my space.com/ idrawslow JOE BREEN
Downside is released today and will be available to buy in the new releases section at HMV Grafton Street.
HENRY MCCULLOUGH
Poor Man's Moon There Wolf Records ***
To anyone with a passing knowledge of the history of Irish rock, guitarist Henry McCullough is a major figure. While Bono was still in short pants prowling Ballymun's mean streets, Portstewart-born McCullough was already whipping out those blues licks that would lead him to share stages with Paul McCartney, Joe Cocker and other luminaries. McCullough is now 65 and as nimble-fingered as ever. This is his latest solo album, featuring his own songs, many co-written with poet/journalist and drummer Eamon Carr, and a bunch of leading players including pianist James Delaney. And if McCullough's incisive playing has lost none of its bite and colour, then Delaney frequently gives him a run for his money. McCullough's fevered title track, the bluesy Belfast Train and the rocking Big Old River, all testify to a man still in love with the r'n'b fundamentals of his youth. And more power to him. www.henrymccullough.com JOE BREEN
Download tracks:Poor Man's Moon,Belfast Train
