Michael McGovern
Thin White Road
(Cauldron Music)
★★★☆☆

GLASWEGIAN singer-songwriter Michael McGovern made quite an impact on the roots music fraternity with his excellent 2021 debut set, Highfield Suite, and the gifted Scot has now followed up this critically acclaimed lockdown project with another highly listenable showcase for his distinctive brand of music making.

McGovern’s approach to songwriting has clearly been influenced by the narrative genius of literary giants such as TS Eliot, John Steinbeck and Laurie Lee, and when this is married with his exquisite fingerpicked guitar work and compelling vocals the results are well nigh irresistable.

The presence of a full band, saxophones and choir lends added weight to proceedings, creating a sound which has prompted comparisons with everyone from Leonard Cohen to Neil Young’s old sidekicks Crazy Horse. I Made A New Friend, The Harbour  and I Heard The Thunder Cry supply an ideal introduction to Michael McGovern’s richly rewarding musical landscape.

Rob Jones & The Restless Dream
Stars
(Self Released)
★★★★☆

POETICALLY subtitled A Collection Of Late Night Songs From The Wilderness, the new album from former English teacher turned full-time musician Rob Jones mines a rich vein of melodic Americana inspired by such impeccable luminaries as Bruce Springsteen and the late Tom Petty.

Mancunian tunesmith Jones and his like-minded musical cohorts would be destined for immediate stardom if there were any semblance of justice left in this benighted world, and Stars should certainly help to cement his growing reputation as a rock balladeer of rare warmth and integrity.

Saxist Jimmy Stuttard and guitarist Dan Catherall also deserve a mention in dispatches for their telling contributions to a refreshingly cinematic set which showcases affecting narratives such as Rising With The Sun, The Darkest Eyes and If It Just Takes Time.

Damien O’Kane & Ron Block
Banjovial
(Pure Records)
★★★☆☆

THE dear old banjo has never been the most fashionable weapon in the roots music armoury, but in the hands of this highly accomplished duo it takes on a whole new lease of life, as Banjovial serves up a sublime selection of tunes demonstrating the versatility and charm which this much maligned instrument is capable of.

The eagerly anticipated follow up to 2022’s Banjophonics also features guest appearances from Irish button accordionist Sharon Shannon and bluegrass aces Aubrey Haynie and Tim Crouch, and on the evidence presented here a very good time was obviously had by all concerned.

The bulk of the set is instrumental but the two men also chip in with an excellent song apiece in the shape of Block’s Love Is Like That and O’Kane’s The Loudest Word.