Stuart
Shaw – Trails To Silvertown (Independent)
Stuart Shaw describes what he does as “all Americana
Dustbowl Rock and Roll” – which, listening to the evidence presented on his new
record “Trails To Silvertown” is right on the money. He’s recorded previous
records in Nashville and Memphis, but he returned to his home state of Michigan
for “Trails To Silvertown” and, with his band The Valley Runners providing
support, Shaw has shaped a collection that’s gritty and dark, yet always
accessible and welcoming.
The ‘Silvertown” of the title is a Utopian dream, a
place to live, built on love and respect, a place where we all want to live.
Though, as the title suggests, it’s a collection of songs about the journey
there rather than the place itself, and these aren’t easy roads. Songs such as
“Bury Me Down”, “Black Heart” and “There Aint No Grave” expose shadows and
doubt, and on the latter, Shaw reaches deep inside for a performance that
demands a emotional response that’s similar to hearing an early Johnny Dowd
album, or Johnny Cash’s “American” recordings for the first time.
Other highlights include “Down On This Land” and the
haunting, Morricone-esque “Waitin On the Train”, though if you’re inclined towards literate American songwriting, Springsteen’s
“Nebraska” and “Tom Joad” albums, or any of Dylan’s albums from “Time Out Of
Mind” onwards, you’ll find much on “Trails To Silvertown” to enjoy.
Phil S.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.