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a studio, at least partly to rectify that oversight. This is the result, with Rob

and Slim taking their own vocals

The two versions of Slim’s ‘Little Bighorn’ show the breadth of the album
– the band version is rather fine Americana, the acoustic set rather akin to

a cowboy song sung by someone with a fondness for the old-timey sound
of Darby and Tarlton. Then there is the big part-blues, part gospel flavoured

arrangement of ‘Church Bells (Little Zion)’ and the southern soul inflected
sound of the closer, Rob’s ‘Fresh’, a stark contrast with the folk styling of

Slim’s ‘Australia’, handclap accompanied except for the harp solo.

‘Watermelon Girl’ is a fine, mambo influenced country number with steel

drums(!), co-composed by Rob and the late Tony Joe White – it sure touches
a few bases, whilst Rob’s ‘You Make Me Want To’ is a poignant country
ballad. Slim’s driving ‘Road Food & Cheap Motels’ is sung with the

assurance of someone who’s been there, done that, and ‘Better Worser Too’
is a little like a more rural Doctor John The Night Tripper.

See what I mean about an eclectic set. Mind you, I reckon many readers
will find a lot to enjoy here. Check it!

Norman Darwen

Greg Coulson—Live At Crescent Records—

Self

Greg Coulson is a powerful keyboard artist
with occasional forays into guitar work. He

has a legendary stage presence and is a skilled
singer with feet in the blues, funk, rock and

jazz fields.

This offering, described as an EP, offers five

tracks recorded on one-day in April 2024.
Together with Coulson’s keys work and

singing, the other musicians are Mat Day on guitar, John Thompson on
bass, and Joel Barford on drums. On two tracks Will Wilde, ace harp man

joins the band.

The five tracks are well selected. The opener ‘Someone To Be There' is a

Coulson original with a funky/ choppy beat and clever lyrics, that is

followed by ‘Introverted Blues’ which is about a journey to sobriety, with
a great bluesy vocals and great keyboard work delivered with Greg's usual
passion. The harp work by Will Wilde is delightful and well considered

adding an excellent air of pathos to an exquisite new song.