Tony Gowland (piano/vocals/composition); Mal Douglas (guitar).
Tony Gowland, a northeast singer/songwriter/pianist, has recorded this very listenable CD/download. Although by no means an out and out jazz album - more of a peripheral one - there's still plenty to appeal to all but the hardcore enthusiast.
Tony Gowland, a northeast singer/songwriter/pianist, has recorded this very listenable CD/download. Although by no means an out and out jazz album - more of a peripheral one - there's still plenty to appeal to all but the hardcore enthusiast.
The voice comes across on the more laconic numbers rather like Tom Waits before he swallowed the broken glass. In Gowland's own words:
"I’ve tried to make this quite a mix of styles ,
pulling in New Orleans influences which include that mix of Latin, jazz,
gospel and blues as well as the more standard song formats you’d expect
from the American east coast songwriters where it suited the
feel. Each of the songs are meant to be a short story
hence the title American Writers".
There's touches of country, shades of Billy Joel, Dr. John, Leon Russell and a jazz feel to Monk's Bar which is based on Blue Monk.
The titles, all originals by Gowland, are enigmatic enough to make you want to investigate further. This you can do from June 1 via Spotify, iTunes etc.
The titles, all originals by Gowland, are enigmatic enough to make you want to investigate further. This you can do from June 1 via Spotify, iTunes etc.
Lance
Rose's Heart and Soul; Mayella's Tale; Boston Irish; Long Way to Recovery; Monk's Bar; Stone; Working Girl; H'porth of Tar; The Painter; A Little Hymn to Ourselves.
Rose's Heart and Soul; Mayella's Tale; Boston Irish; Long Way to Recovery; Monk's Bar; Stone; Working Girl; H'porth of Tar; The Painter; A Little Hymn to Ourselves.
1 comment :
Loved the album. Every track has something interesting going on. I would look forward to hearing more from this guy. The review is correct in that's it's not an out and out jazz album but there are lots of influences in there and a lot of diversity between the tracks to keep you interested from start to end and to play it again.
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