The RGM inbox August 2020 (Part 2)
In the latest inbox feature, we’ve got a range of international talent for your perusal. From Canada, Terra Lightfoot returns with a new single and an album on the way while closer to home UK pedal steel legend BJ Cole is sharing his love of Hawaiian music. Speaking of sunnier climates (although High Wycombe would give Hawaii a run for its money in the heat stakes this week) we’ve got a London based Aussie in Nick Kingswell with a terrific single and also from Australia The Buckleys a sibling trio breaking out of their homeland with a nice line in pop-country.
Photo Credit: Mat Dunlap.
First up is Canadian singer/songwriter/guitarist Terra Lightfoot who should be no stranger to RGM readers and it’s always nice to welcome her back with new material. ‘Paper Thin Walls’ is her latest single and finds Terra doing what she does best coupling her unique vocal phrasing and punchy guitar lines with seemingly effortless grace. Recorded in Memphis, Tennessee ‘Paper Thin Walls’ is gritty but soulful, just what you’d hope for from a Terra Lightfoot record, The new album ‘Consider The Speed’ is due October 16th via Sonic Unyon Records.
BJ Cole and his pedal steel guitar on ‘Daydream Smile’ is like bumping into an old friend for the first time in years and you’re very pleased to remake the acquaintance. The term legendary gets bandied about often these days but BJ played steel on Elton’s ‘Tiny Dancer’ - which is a career-making moment in one song - but when you go on to work with everyone from Sting to David Gilmour via Bjork you’ve got a CV the envy of anyone. BJ has a love of Hawaiian music and has now hooked up with Dave Eastoe whose skill on the slack key guitar compliments BJ perfectly on their new album ‘Daydream Smile’ which is out August 28th, 2020 on the recently relaunched Cow Pie label. Listening to ‘Daydream Smile’ as I type makes me smile, which is an achievement these days. Hawaiian music has started to become cool again in recent years under the Exotica tag and all I can say is if it was good enough for Elvis…
Australian singer/songwriter Nick Kingswell sold everything he owned and moved to London to pursue his musical career. A risky move that seems fully justified on the strength of ‘Homesick’ from his upcoming ‘Brontide’ album slated for release October 23rd, via Audio Network – an eOne Company. ‘Homesick’ is pretty fantastic as acoustic guitars, insistent percussion and widescreen string arrangements are joined by unexpectedly cutting electric guitars. ‘Homesick’ is folky singer/songwriter given the IMAX treatment and is guaranteed to get you adding ‘Brontide’ to your listening wish list.
Also from Australia, we have sibling trio The Buckleys (Sarah (20), Molly (17) and Lachlan (18)). The trio are enjoying impressive chart-topping success down under and will be looking to break out internationally with the release of their ‘Daydream’ album via Snakefarm Records in the UK on September 25th. ‘Daydream’ is full of catchy pop-country in the Lady A / Little Big Town vein with the odd detour into Fleetwood Mac influenced classic pop-rock (their latest Aussie hit ‘Breathe’ is especially good). With ex INXS manager CM Murphy in their corner, you’ll be hearing lots of The Buckleys.
The Buckleys bring to an end this edition of the RGM Inbox. We’ll be back soon with more great music from around the globe. In the meantime stay safe and stay cool.
Welcome to a new feature here at Red Guitar Music, where we round up a selection of recent and/or upcoming new releases that fall under the broad umbrella of country music. For this first instalment, we have two artists from Canada alongside contributions from North Carolina and Texas. From Canadian bluegrass to Texas country/americana, we’ve got plenty of bases covered. Check ‘em out.