Reviews
M G Boulter & Jenny Sturgeon Album: Wild Convenor
Label: Hudson
Tracks: 9
Website: https://jennysturgeon.bandcamp.com/album/wild-convenor
The last M G Boulter album that I reviewed was the beautiful "Flower Days" which he produced in conjunction with the stunning musical talents of Samantha Whates. I love it when two outstanding talents come together to produce something that just hits all the right notes. "Flower Days" did just that and now M G (Matt) has combined his immense talent with another outstanding musician, the quite wonderful Jenny Sturgeon, to bring us "Wild Convenor."
M G Boulter and Jenny Sturgeon have been penpals since 2021, maintaining the ebb and flow of a musical conversation between their respective homes in Southend-on-Sea and Shetland. Both were already established songwriters in their own right but cemented their collaboration through the Shetland Songwriting Festival, where they were both tutors in 2022. Their numerous catch-ups, held online across months and years, led to the quiet creation of a collection of songs which make up Wild Convenor.
The end result is a delightful and gentle delivery of modern folk music. Beautiful guitar playing, gentle melodies, some stunning harmonies and imaginative story telling. From the opening track "All Of Us Together" to the closing "Wild Convenor" there is not a track on the album that is less than superb. One track in particular, "Scavengers" had me scratching my head to decide what it reminded me of. After some minutes of pensive thinking, I decided it took me back to Chris Simpson and the fabulous Magna Carta with those incredible harmonies.
One of my favourite tracks on the album is the family oriented "Jason" with its lyrics that so many people will relate to; "We don't talk like we used to." Whether this is down to the pressure of modern life or our ever-increasing dependence on screens is debatable, it is however sadly true!
If I have one minor complaint about this quite wonderful album, it is that at just 9 songs and 33 minutes long, it is over too soon. However, I accept that Matt and Jenny have gone for quality over quantity so I will forgive them.
A tour by M G is commencing on the 16th August and he will be joined by Jenny on many of the dates. For those that are unable to get to a gig, they are also delivering a "Live To Your Living Room" concert, online, on the 11th September. Check the website for further details. A great way to listen to two exceptional musicians at work.
Rory M Stanbridge
| Previous | Next |
|---|---|
| Nic Norton and Alice Morell: The Stone Tape | Christian Parker, Patrick Cleary and Earl Poole Ball: American Cosmic Revival Vol 2: Miles From Nowhere |
Recent Reviews
- The Kennedys:Smoketree
- Nic Norton and Alice Morell:The Stone Tape
- M G Boulter & Jenny Sturgeon:Wild Convenor
- Christian Parker, Patrick Cleary and Earl Poole Ball:American Cosmic Revival Vol 2: Miles From Nowhere
- Around About Dusk:Sweet Old Fables
- Phil Odgers & John Kettle:The War Is Over - The Songs Of Phil Ochs Vol.2
- Paper Verses:Windstill
- My Girl The River:Manifest Good Things
- Michael McDermott:Flowers From The Graveyard
- Hase Waits:The Dancing Spot
Introverts By Nature
Fatea Showcase Sessions
The Fatea Showcase Sessions are a series of downloads featuring acts that we've really enjoyed and think that more people should get the chance to hear.
Pirate is the current session and features 16 fantastic artists check out the website to find out more about them and download your copy
www.fatea-showcase-sessions.co.uk for all the artist information.