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life in Liverpool. From that you may well suspect that this album is not pure Americana (whatever that might be). Yes, Kev’s appearances at Maverick Festival and his work with Louisiana based Drew Young has given it an unmistakable American feel, but there is folk, rock and some Abbey Road moments in the mix too.
Album of the Month Americanarama KEV WALFORD I only managed to get my hands on a copy of a master of Americanarama just hours before this month’s deadline. I have been playing it constantly trying to determine which I like more, Kev Walford’s songwriting, his arrangements or the melodies.
The skill of composing good lyrics is making them memorable for us mere mortals, then adding a twist. ‘Sell My Soul to The Blues’ is a case in point. This song was written for Ella Spencer after Kev heard her sing at Maverick last year. She sings it beautifully but it ends by dropping three words from the chorus, making you stop and think. For that moment alone this CD is worth the purchase price. I love the reworking of Kev’s 2010 number ‘My My My’. It has a North American Indian tribal beat to it which Mr. Walford refers to as ‘almost rock’ - it is far more intense than mere rock!
Although it is only Kev’s name on the cover, there are no fewer that twelve other musicians involved on one track or another. Calling it a solo album seems unfair. But the core of its being, the songwriting, is all Mr. Walford... with some help from Andy Heasman and David Booth on two of the thirteen tracks.
The jewel in this excellent collection of songs is ‘Jordan, The Glory Road’ and was written specifically for Kelly Bayfield. The song starts and ends a capella showcasing Kelly’s vocal talent. Along the way Jonathan’s cello gives it depth, whilst Paul Gilling’s harmonica gives it a soulful feel. Although Kev & Kelly are no longer gigging as a duo, I do hope they perform this live on some occasion for it is simply beautiful.
Jonathan Evans’ cello introduces us gently to the album as the opening track ‘Shining Man’ reflects on Kev’s
Regular readers will know that I dislike doing lists so I’ll not annotate all of the musicians who made this work
