John Lester
Album: Paul Tiernan & John Lester Live
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 14
Website: http://www.johnlestermusic.com/

I first came to know the name John Lester when he toured the UK with the great Gretchen Peters and Barry Walsh as part of their Trio. His stunning bass playing and tongue in cheek song, Beware La Merde, made everyone take notice.

The pairing of John Lester and Paul Tiernan, it seems, was more down to coincidence than to planning. They met in 2005, have toured ever since, mainly in Europe; maybe therefore, a recording was the next logical step. Regardless of the circumstances, it works. Very well.

At times you forget there are two instruments and voices, so in step are they with each other. The album features seven songs by each musician; comprising six original songs and one cover each. Tiernan steps in with Mandola, guitar and vocals and of course Lester has the roles of upright bass, acoustic bass, nylon stringed guitar and vocals.

I am,unusually not going to pick my favourite tracks as it would be difficult to choose between them, though the one that perhaps most stood out was Boxcar Ballerinas.

I often have a love-hate relationship with live albums; thankfully this fits into the love category, such is the sound quality and obvious enjoyment of musicians and audience.

A definite must have whether you are familiar to one or both of these artists, or completely new to them.

Helen Mitchell