Finally got around to downloading some of Ian Siegal’s music and ended up buying everything I could find. The Meat and Potatoes album is some of the most original music I’ve heard in a long time and the new album is incredible also. That vid of him and Aynsley together was very cool - probably the best talent coming out of your Country at this time. Tis a shame these guys couldn’t do something together. Since I’ve been visiting this forum Ian Siegal is by far the best talent I’ve come across. Hope he finds his way to the U.S. Thanks, Duncan - it’s gonna be hard to top this one.
Oh… and BTW Vulnerable Things and Simon McBride are outstanding as well. I’m not done with either.
Ian Siegal has the distinction of being one of only two living British artists to be given a four star (excellent) rating in the Penguin Book of Blues Recordings.
The other one is his label mate Matt Schofield, who actually plays produced Ian Siegal’s albums and contributed some guitar work to both.
Matt Schofield plays in a trio with a keyboardist and drummer and his music is influenced by BB King and Albert Collins. He has been likened to Robben Ford and Michael Bloomfield. Check out his albums Very different in style to Ian Siegal, there is a jazz influence to his blues, “Siftin Thru Ashes”, “Ear To The Ground” and “Live at The Jazz Café” are all worth a listen. I’m most familar with Ear To The Ground, which is his most recent album. Eldo I think you previously mentioned Scofield, any particular suggestions you would make?
Ran across Matt Schofield earlier this year and bought Ear to the Ground and Siftin’ Thru Ashes. Both are exceptional. I’ve also got a live version of Siftin’ Thru Ashes (very good) and Travellin’ South from the ‘99 Mustique Blues Festival. Looks like Ian made a great career move hooking up with Matt. The collaboration is, imo, Blues at another level.
Regarding Simon McBride, have you listened to Rich Man Falling Down? I can’t get it on my usual site but maybe I’ll look at Amazon.
Re Matt Schofield - I bought three albums but I would go first for the Trio Live one - he’s very Robben Ford style - all his albums are worth getting though
Hi, sorry Trio Live was the one I was meaning. Live at the Jazz cafe was an internet only release. I intend to pick up his other albums when I see him in November. Siegal, Lister and Scofield in one day!
Not heard Rich Man Falling Down, I’ll check it out later…
Actually we’ve mentioned Aynsley and Ian Parker but not Erja Lyytinen who was the other artist on the Pilgrimage album. I stumbled upon this press release for her follow up album Dreamland
It sounds quite interesting, has anyone heard it have any other information or recommendations?
I notice some of Junior Kimbrough’s family played on the album which I find quite intriguing as Kimbrough was a fantastic talent. Its interesting that a young female guitar player from Finland has been inspired to this music.
Erja is a lovely lass. I don’t think it’s too harsh to say she was out of her league with the guys at the beginning of the project and I think that really shows on the DVD which was recorded so early on, but in my opinion, she came on a lot and she most definitely enjoyed the experience and appreciated those of us stalwarts who went to see the 3 of them repeatedly and in far-flung locations. I remember particularly fondly the slide solo she used to play because I am a slide junkie. I was looking forward to seeing her at the end of the month but the date has been cancelled. Ian Parker produced Dreamland, btw. I really ought to get it but was hoping to do it at the gig, maybe I’ll hang fire a bit in case she arranges some more dates here.
Lately I’ve been listening to (and buying) quite a bit of stuff of Ian Parker and agree with Lovestrats that he grows on you. I too, don’t think he’s in Aynsley’s or Ian Siegal’s class, but he’s definitely one of the better bluesman currently in the business. Is Matt Schofield over-rated? I don’t think I’d agree with that statement, but Harry you’re certainly entitled to your opinion.
Interesting discussion.
In my opinion Ian Parker is also an OK guitarist, his talents are in songwriting and overall delivery. Matt Schofield is probably the most proficient British blues player of the ones mentioned. However I can understand his style of blues with elements of jazz is not to everyone’s taste. No questioning his talent though, in my book. His work for Ian Siegal is really good. Siegal’s Swagger is a great album as is Meat and Potatoes. Actually Ian Siegal had been great for a long time, a friend copied me some of his earlier self released albums and they are pretty good too! Interestingly Aynsley played of his early releases (I’ve not heard it)- see link:
Guess my comment on Matt Schofield didnt go down too well, but hey..each to their own.
What I would really like to see is A.L on the same bill as the Nimmo Brothers. What a great night that would be.
Guess my comment on Matt Schofield didnt go down too well, but hey..each to their own.
What I would really like to see is A.L on the same bill as the Nimmo Brothers. What a great night that would be.
No, we welcome the contribution. I just wonder if it is Matt’s playing ability or his playing style that you are not keen on. Not all his stuff is my cup of tea either.
Sounds good. I have to confess while I have a few of their songs, I’m not too well aware of the Nimmos recordings over their full career. Harry or anyone else, would you suggest a good starting point?
Their live at Cottiers Theatre Glasgow is one fine album. Moving On is also very good as is their acoustic album New Moon Over Memphis. I thank Britbabe for knowing about this group. Ian S. may be the best individual Bluesman, but the Nimmos are my favorite band in the U.K. at present. I’m a little surprised you aren’t familiar with this band.
What I would really like to see is A.L on the same bill as the Nimmo Brothers. What a great night that would be.
Oh, it was!
About, oh, 4 years ago now - just before Alex left the band for the first time I think - Aynsley did a solo in support of The Nimmo Brothers at the Ladle in Middlesbrough. It’s a housing estate now. That’s a shame because it was a decent venue, and not small and cramped like so many. The crowd ate up both Aynsley and The Nimmos and if my recollection is correct most of them were there to see The Nimmos and were new to Aynsley. That was a fantastic pairing right enough and a lifetime memory for other reasons LOL
