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According to sources, Jon Boden has been shaking things up on the folk scene for quite some time via duo Spiers and Boden and much loved outfit Bellowhead. He also played in Eliza Carthy’s band The Ratcatchers, until 2007.
Songs From The Floodplain, a kind of concept album, is Boden’s second solo album (after 2006’s Painted Lady) which draws heavily on traditional flavours.
He has a degree in Medieval Studies from Durham you know, and in Composition For Theatre from London College of Music, so he knows his onions.
His weapon of choice is the fiddle, and he’s an accomplished singer too.
Born in Chicago but Winchester (UK) raised, this 32 year-old is nothing short of fearless when it comes to unleashing his take on folk.
Ok, so Songs From The Floodplain isn’t a happy one, though it is a profoundly inspiring one in many ways.
His songs are beautifully crafted and deeply emotional, though, sadly, may not make for mainstream listening, simply because of the melancholic reflective nature.
Nevertheless, we musos (there’s plenty out there) will appreciate this little gem because of the craftsmanship involved.
In a strange way, they also deliver some sort of hope, so it’s not all doom-and-gloom. The opening song, We Do What We Can: “..When hard times come knocking / We do what we can...” sums up the spirit therein.
Songs… is a case of art reflecting life, and as we all know, life doesn’t look too rosy for many Brits right now. Visually, he’s chosen to have the CD package (and a glossy one it is too) shot in some derelict factory which seems at odds with its shiny cover. Then flick to the lyric sheet for Has-Been Cavalry, where there’s a ray of sunshine which sharply glears in and above the watery surface, giving us much needed hope. It’s the negativity juxtaposed with positivity that’s makes the balance just right, which can be found on the album’s final chapter Has-Been Cavalry.
After a pretty downcast (or should that be up cast?) roll of songs, the musical change is obvious via perky Beating The Bounds. But the jewel in the crown comes further in – the epic When The Walls Come Tumbling Down. Using all his finely honed compositional skills he injects dramatic colours and passion into this awesome, yes awesome, piece. Instruments do their thing brilliantly, though it’s the background wind effects that give it a haunting feel.
Another favourite of mine is the divine and simple Don’t Wake Me Up ’Til Tomorrow.
Radio: Hear tracks soon on THE PLUG at
wrexham.com
The full list of tracks included are :
1. We Do What We Can
2. Going Down To The Wasteland
3. Days Gone By
4. Penny For The Preacher
5. Dancing In The Factory
6. Beating The Bounds
7. The Pilgrim’s Way
8. April Queen
9. When The Walls Come Tumbling Down
10. Don’t wake Me Up ‘Til Tomorrow
11. Under Their Breath
12. Has Been Cavalry
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Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.