Page 44 - BiTS_09_SEPTEMBER_2021

album has been well produced and feels polished like a great album should, which of course this

truly is.

Ged Wilson

Paul Cowley - Long Time Comin’ - Lou B Music

Paul Cowley is no stranger to the British acoustic blues circuit
although these days he lives in Brittany France. This is Paul’s
fourth album and was recorded at home in France during
lockdown. This pared back album of acoustic guitar and vocals is

a nice mix of originals and blues covers.

The album opens with the title track ‘Long Time Comin’ which
has a nice laid back style with a mix of fingerpicking guitar and
slide. ‘Simple Life’ relays tales of Paul’s women troubles and
brings a wry smile. There’s a more driving rhythm about the
Charley Patton classic, ‘Screamin & Hollerin The Blues’. The sound of rain quite aptly opens

‘Rainin’ whilst Paul gives a nice rendition of the Mississippi John Hurt tune, ‘Louis Collins’ with
some effective doubling up on vocals.

‘Don’t Need Too Much’ has a different feel with the addition of drums and an altogether more
rocky vibe. I really liked this one. ‘Lightnin’s Train’ as the name suggests, has that instantly
recognisable Lightnin Hopkins guitar style about it whilst the album closes with ‘Long Time Comin’
Reprise’ which adds some symmetry to the album.

Paul Cowley is an accomplished country blues guitarist and his vocal style brings to mind Chris
Smither and JJ Cale. Sometimes with acoustic albums they can get a bit “samey ” as they have
limited resources for dynamics but that isn’t a problem here. This album just flows and is so
relaxing to listen to that it feels like Paul is sat in your front room by the fire playing for you, it’s
that kind of album, check it out.

Ged Wilson

Eddie Martin - The Birdcage Sessions - Blueblood Records

Eddie Martin is well known on the British blues circuit and is

indeed somewhat of a legend in Bristol. This album was made
during lockdown and has a more stripped down acoustic feel
about it. The album is made up of original songs save for
‘Amazing Grace’.

The album opens with ‘Before We Wake Up’ which has some
eastern influences and carries that ‘John The Revelator’ vibe.

‘Home’ is a one chord song that is embellished with some nice
backing vocals, harp, organ and slide. ‘Breakeven Blues’ opens
with some lovely country blues guitar and I could imagine Taj
Mahal doing this one.