Reviews
Artist:Terence Blacker Album: Meanwhile
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11
Website: https://www.terenceblacker.com/
With a a jazzer’s impeccable timing and a some of Robb Johnsons louche world weariness Terence Blacker delivers barbs and observational gems. Part Billy Bragg, part upbeat Thackery, part Noel Coward.
“Meanwhile” and “Keeping The Faith” with impeccably wordplay and a languid wooziness, are old time odes to just kicking back and not worrying. Dom Pipkins’ lyrical piano adds to Blacker’s guitar and producer Lukas Drinkwater’s bass to create a fine jazz groove. On “Pale Stale Male” Dom’s funky Rhodes brings a touch of Gil Scott Heron to a self deprecating tale of knowingly growing old. The sense of reflective seniority runs through “The Couple Next Door”. “Other People’s Lives” is Roy Harper like poetry, a heartfelt long form piece recounting a life, delivered over beautiful guitar. Surprising, deeply rewarding on repeat listens and a personal album highlight. Shifting again “My Little Blue Book” checks Dylan and Waugh in a classic Blacker tale of escapism, maturity and nostalgia. Electronica brings a sense of Kurt Weill theatrics to “The Swells Sang After The Ball”, with the accompaniment bringing edge and menace to Blacker’s delivery. A soundbite adds a touch of Robb Johnson Music Hall satirical theatrics to the brilliantly dark “Everyday Hero”. Perfect track for Lockdown the theatre musical. “The Way Of The World” is a larger than life tale with superb word play and a real poetic turn. Again the arrangement with Josh Clark’s percussion and Pipkin’s piano brings a touch of George Melly to the performance.
This is an album under pinned by Terence Blacker’s weary often self deprecating observations and the folk jazz light as touch delivery. I have had the pleasure of reviewing three of Terence’s albums now, there is definitely a Blacker feel, an oeuvre, but with a jazz trio backing and the expansive “Other People’s Lives” he manages to surprise and show us new and fresh alongside the wonderfully familiar. “Not Quite Done”, the closer, is the perfect encore and an in song tale about being almost at the end, with a grizzly edge, Blacker the entertainer has the final word.
Marc Higgins
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Other People's Lives
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.
Corsair 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.