Nicely balanced, with harder edged songs alongside quieter moments of musical reflection.
There seems to be some resurgence in more Blues-based releases of late, and for the second issue of Fireworks in a row, I get to review an album from musicians based in Lincolnshire. Is there something in the water there?
Ash Wilson is completely new to me. 'Broken Machine' is his debut album, and the project has been produced by his brother Phil, who has worked with Laurence Jones. Add to the mix the likes of Roger Inniss (Chaka Khan) and Bob Fridzema (King King) and you can see where this album is heading – cool Blues Rock with some Funky edges to boot.
I can't see a great deal of commonality between the Lincolnshire Levels and the Mississippi Delta, but the opening track 'Show Me How To Love You' seems to be inspired by the chain gangs and the Delta railroad. It's hard to imagine this being a UK act, they could quite easily be from the Southern states. Wilson, however, brings us politically up to date on 'World's Gone Crazy'; listen to it and you will understand what I mean, as whilst aiming itself at the current state of the world, it's almost also a dig at the current priorities of the media. The Wilson Brothers clearly write from the heart and every day events are documented amongst the songs on this album, from relationship breakups of other people to personal events. To be honest, this is what the Blues is all about and how it started.
This album is nicely balanced, with harder edged songs alongside quieter moments of musical reflection. If you don't have tunnel vision, and you're willing to accept the Blues can be from somewhere outside of the USA, then check this album out. You won't be disappointed.
Steve Price
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