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1970’s feel to it, maybe bordering on Led Zeppelin 3 territory, enjoyed this one. ‘Sweet Lovin’
Mama’ is a Johnny Guitar Watson cover that has the feel of the original and the album closes with
another Mance Lipscomb instrumental, ‘Spanish Flang Dang’.

This album is stripped down to acoustic guitar and vocal with occasional footstep stomps here and
there so you get right to the heart of these songs as there is no hiding place. If like me you are a fan
of Lightnin’ Hopkins and acoustic Texas Blues In general then you are going to love this album. He

has mastered the art of Hopkins guitar style and made it his own and his playing is exemplary
throughout. With fifteen tracks to listen to this album will make a fine companion as the winter
months draw in, give it a spin.

Ged Wilson

Richard Townsend and the Might Bosscats—Short Stories—

Self-Release

Richard Townend is well known on the blues circuit both as a

solo performer and with his band, The Mighty Bosscats. Richard
has a great reputation as a songwriter and he has penned
thirteen new songs for this album that was recorded during

lockdown remotely with musicians both here in the UK and
Russia.

The album opens with ‘Got To Pay Your Dues’ a song about life on

the road whilst ‘That’s The Way It Was’ is a nice tune looking
back at the 1960’s. There is some nice sounding American country guitar boogie going on with
‘Everyman’. ‘The Picture’ has some lovely tasty guitar licks and I detected hints of Steely Dan in this

one, great tune. There is a nice acoustic opening to a tale of man versus the environment with
‘Stupidity Of Man’.

Richard has assembled a fine set of musicians for this project and the standard of musicianship is

very high as is the production of this album.

The title track ‘Short Stories’ has a nice slow feel that evokes images of our lives as short stories

whilst ‘Listen Up A Little’ has a more whimsical feel. ‘Parkland’ carries a poignant tale with a
dramatic guitar ending. The album closes with ‘You Are Amazing’ a truly lovely uplifting song and
Richards vocal brought to mind the late great Michael Chapman.

Richard Townend is first and foremost a great songwriter. This album is awash with great
thoughtful lyrics weaved into well constructed songs. His guitar playing is exemplary with tasteful
licks that capture the melody and then work it back into the mix to enhance the overall song. You

can detect shades of Dire Straits and Chris Rea on this album and if that is you bag then you are
going to love this album. A truly great work from Richard Townend.

Ged Wilson