STEPHEN SMITH
Troubadour
This is a hugely big-hearted album from a North West based artist. Songs that make you want to sing along, with themes that cover hope, joy, love and peace, that given the timing of its release shares the positivity and humanity signalled by an advent calendar. Despite it being a solo album, more than anything else it calls to mind the spirit and feel of Oysterband, particularly around the period of Trawler, plus a sprinkling of the passion and energy of The Men They Couldn’t Hang. With the majority of the songs being self-written, the themes of positivity run through the tracks like the proverbial stick of rock, all held together by Stephen’s warm delivery. There’s a gentleness that shines through. yet he is capable of introducing passion and power as required.
By his own admission, this album was recorded as though it may be his last, combining new material with reworking of selected works from his past. There is also a lyricism that runs through the songs that demands the songs be given attention. Mountain Song tells of a charity hike up Ben Nevis, We Shall Overcome celebrates the work of the organisation of the same name, whilst Garden Of Hope, originally inspired by the book ‘The Beekeeper Of Aleppo’, apparently brought tears to the eyes of its author, Christy Lefteri, whereas Until Tomorrow is a version of a 30 year old song, given new life, rocked up at the behest of the album’s producer.
In addition to his own writing there are carefully selected covers which maintain the focus on humanity. Black Dog tells of the experience of depression and gratitude for the support of others, written by Paul Nowak, the general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) but also a singer-songwriter (you can find him on Spotify if you are intrigues). Written by Liverpool’s Alun Parry (favourably reviewed in FNW editions past) If Harry Don’t Go is a rousing, upbeat celebration of the community support for post-war union activist Harry Constable when blacklisted by port employers. Proceedings are further enlivened by a fine contribution from Merry Hell/Feast of Fiddles maestro, Simon Swarbrick. For those of a certain age and a certain history, there is also the delight of a Tansads cover in the form of English Rover, made just a little bit more special by having been written by ex Tansads, current Merry Hell guitar guru, John Kettle, who has contributed a new guitar solo rather than reproduce his old version, excellent though it was. A long-time collaborator with Stephen, John’s trademark guitar sound adds further sparkle to the songs across the rest of the album, which he has also produced. He has also brought in student Katie Rhodes to contribute backing vocals.
Overall, a hugely enjoyable album well worth seeking out by those of us who don’t view kindness, caring and compassion as signs of weakness. The title track celebrates creativity and sharing what is in your heart, and ultimately, Stephen is looking to help make the world a better place by whatever means he has available, with this album being a positive part of his repertoire.
