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CHRIS DUARTE Ain’t Giving Up Mascot Records [Release date 07.04.23]
Blues-roots guitarist Chris Duarte releases this, his 15th studio album. It also marks the first time in 22 years Duarte has worked with producer-guitarist Dennis Herring (Buddy Guy, Modest Mouse, Elvis Costello). “I am so grateful to be signed to Provogue and to work with Dennis again—it’s been a dream come true,” Duarte enthuses. “I have been so fortunate to play music and do my thing for almost 30 years, and I couldn’t ask for a better life.”
You can’t knock the playing, however, the rather long (to these ears at least!) guitar solos do seem overegged at times. That said, ‘Weak Days’ is a wonderfully slow blues workout and ‘Bye, Bye, Bye’ is a rip snorting bit of rocking blues.
If you liked any of his previous albums you’ll doubtless love this, just can’t see it winning over many casual blues and roots fans. ***
THE FLYING SYMBOLS On Our Own Facebook [Release date 15.04.23]
The Flying Symbols are a four piece rock band based in the Hertfordshire/Essex border who formed in 2o21, although the various band members have plenty of experience in other bands. The line-up consists of vocalist Pete Cornell, bassist John Clements, guitarist Joe Boutell and drummer Mat Drewing.
Their debut single ‘Serial Killer’ is a decent hard rocker complete with an amusing video on YouTube. ‘Blue Skies’ is a blues rocker with some serious soloing from Joe Boutell, whilst ‘Stalker’ is a creepy little song and the stand out track. Bizarrely Pixies vocalist Frank Black came to mind on this one!
Touch of southern rock on ‘Veins’, with a punk feel to ‘Magic Roundabout’ (that does include the chidren’s TV programme’s theme tune as the main riff!) and perhaps there lies their issue, the need to hone a sound they are happy with. Both are good tunes though and sure to be live staples.
The production lacks a bit of punch, sounding subdued in places (‘Joker’ being a prime example) and the vocals don’t quite do it for this listener. A solid debut by the Flying Symbols. **1/2
GEORGE SANSOME & MATT QUINN Sheffield Park Bandcamp [Release date 28.04.23]
George Sansome (Granny’s Attic, Queer Folk) and Matt Quinn (Dovetail Trio) have teamed-up for this album of traditional folk tunes from the British Isles. The album was recorded live at the Keystone, Sheffield by Tom Wright (who weaved his sound & production magic on the recent Lizzy Hardingham album).
The album works best when they sing as a duo as can be heard on ‘Tyne Of Harrow’ and ‘I Live Not Where I Love’. For some reason ‘The Fox and the Grey Goose’ doesn’t seem to flow naturally, which is a shame as it is a folk staple. Worth investigating to hear their take on the epic ‘The Death of Andrew’, a traditional song adapted by Martin Carthy.
With just added mandolin and guitar on some tracks it is a stripped back to basics affair.
Traditional folk that will delight folk traditionalists and Sansome & Quinn work well as a vocal duo. Unlikely to trouble the album charts but this fine duo will be a hit on the folk clubs and festival circuit. ***
Reviews by Jason Ritchie
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