Album review: SAM SWEENEY – Escape That
Hudson Records [Release date 21.10.22]
Renowned fiddle player Bellowhead member Sam Sweeney returns with an album that ties together the threads of Sam’s musical loves; combining pop hooks and his pioneering work in the world of traditional dance tunes.
Written without ever touching the violin, Sam retreated to his attic during the lockdowns of 2020-21 and created over twenty pieces of music. These were composed almost entirely on synths and guitars, with snapshots of loved ones and memories as inspiration in a time of isolation. He devised a way of writing where he’d lay down a chord sequence and then record an improvisation over the top.
On listening back, anything that could be considered a hook would be kept, everything else was deleted and tracks developed by linking the hooks together to create dance tunes. Sam then translated the melodies back to the fiddle to produce the music on ‘Escape That’.
Joining Sam Sweeney are Jack Rutter (acoustic guitar), Ben Nicholls (bass), Louis Campbell (guitar) and Dave Mackay (piano, synths).
Opener ‘Ruby’ shows his pop sensibilities off well, making a hypnotic mix of synth, guitar and fiddle. ‘Want To Fly Want To Flee’ is a dancing delight, as is the title track, another clever mix of pop and folk.
Some folk purists may splutter in their beer but even they would tap a begrudging foot along to the likes of ‘Pink Steps’ and ‘Yoddin’. The swiftness of the fiddle playing really is a marvel and treat on the ears.
‘Don’t Worry, Trains’ (good thing with instrumentals is that you can call a tune all manner of things!) is a fine and sparkling tune to end the album on.
The talent Sam Sweeney possesses is impressive, as are the tunes on this album. Music that takes you on a journey and certainly lifts the spirits after each listen. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
Sam Sweeney supports Bellowhead on their November UK tour
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