K.C. Barber
Album: Cold Wind Blowing
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.barber-taylor.co.uk

Brighton-based Kevin Barber is a dab hand at bluesy Americana, a veritable unsung virtuoso of the guitar, slide and mandolin, who for the past ten years has been the mainstay of the well-regarded duo Barber & Taylor, more recently expanded into a trio (Barber, Taylor & Reed). His first solo album is a triumph of understatement and thoughtful songwriting, couched in some of the most characterful right-on picking you're likely to hear this side of the Atlantic.

Cold Wind Blowing is a very stylish set indeed, each song's theme stated unambiguously but allowing plenty of scope for exploration during its allotted spell on stage. Aside from a couple of instances of slight predictability and over-obvious metaphor, Kevin's lyrical expression is simple yet intense without feeling the need to over-emote for effect, which is most refreshing, doubly so because Kevin's relaxed vocal style is itself so listenably compelling. Similarly, Kevin's instrumental accompaniments are an absolute model of taste and restraint.

Virtually every one of the ten songs is outstanding in its own way, but if I were forced to pick highlights I'd single out the cautionary narrative ballad The Preacher & Becky Schaefer and the beautiful December Song, with more philosophical numbers like the title track and Bluebirds running close behind in the memorability stakes. This is an unassumingly absorbing release, one that's unashamedly deserving of your close scrutiny and undivided attention.

David Kidman