Whereas, in many genres, trends come and go; it is notable that the blues has a comfortable tradition of reinventing itself as younger artists learn from those that have gone before, innovating quietly whilst treating their heritage with respect. Far removed from the iconoclasm so often found in rock (especially at the more extreme ends of the spectrum); where revolution flourishes, respect remains with the result that the blues has fostered a community of artists and listeners alike who admire invention and support the thrust of youth. Into this field enters a new contender. Sharply dressed, blessed with precocious talent and possessed of a voice stained with an experience far outside of the 17 years he professes, Tom McCartney has quietly built an impressive following in the Midlands, and, having honed his talent to a fine point, has delivered his debut effort. A four track EP, ‘Well dressed man’ is a musical delight from an artist soon to be mentioned in the same breath as Joanne Shaw Taylor, Aaron Keylock and other such luminaries of the UK blues scene.
Opening with the irresistible shuffle of ‘not from around this town’, the first thing that hits you is the rich, characterful vocal of Tom and it is only on repeated listens you’ll have the chance to appreciate the ramshackle beat, nimble bass and reverb-drenched guitar that adds colour to the piece. It’s a throwback to a different age and it’s delivered with a clear-eyed passion and sense of playfulness that is quite impossible to ignore. The title track harks from a similar place but offers up gritter guitar and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll swing that should get the dancefloor heaving with blue suede shoes, and I dare anyone to put this on without tapping something. The highlight, however, is the psychedelic swirl of a solo that emerges midway through the song which is guaranteed to leave you grinning from ear-to-ear. That smile will remain glued in place as ‘Hard times a’ comin’’ slides smoothly into view, the raw production recalling the early work of the Stones with the Harmonica once again to the fore and the guitars awash with just enough grit to give the song edge without sounding overcooked. It’s such a joy to listen to earthen blues played with such gusto and it’s hard to imagine this EP not turning heads up and down the country. The EP ends (and all too quickly, it must be said), with a slow, country-blues number entitled ‘the bottle ain’t for me’. It’s hard to equate such depth with so young an artist but then, as the venerable B. B. King said of Joe Bonamassa, “You don’t know where the children get this from… but all I know is he got it!” And there is no question that Tom McCartney has it in spades. It’s a perfect concluding track, showing that Tom knows not only how to rock a crowd, but also how to let it down gently as the light grows dim.
Recorded with plenty of rough charm and yet a degree of clarity that allows each instrument to shine, ‘Well dressed man’ is a truly impressive debut. Tom McCartney’s name is already becoming a draw in the Midlands and this release should see that name spread rapidly out into the rest of the country. Short and sweet, the EP still manages a degree of variety, but what will seize audiences by the scruff of the neck is the simple fact that when Tom and his band go for it, they really cook! The UK has seen something of a blues renaissance of late with artists like Laurence Jones and Aaron Keylock flying the flag for young, talented and passionate artists, and to that list we can now add Tom McCartney. Get a hold of this EP, you absolutely will not regret it. 9
Find out more about Tom McCartney here:
https://www.facebook.com/tommccartneymusic
www.tommccartneymusic.com/live
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/well-dressed-man-ep/id1178665333
www.instagram.com/tom_mccartney_music
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