Ian Lang

Nursery Records was formed in 1997, primarily to showcase the talents of singer/guitarist Ian Lang. Emerging from 80s band Small Change, Ian ventured on a solo career combined with a vibrant teaching business. In 1997 Nursery Records was formed to coincide with the release of Ian’s first solo album ‘Primitive’. Largely an acoustic set recorded on 8 track cassette Primitive’s stark mood found many friends. In 1999, another set ‘ Radio Days’’ was released to critical acclaim. This album featured the talents of many fine musicians…..Chris Parks (Any Trouble) on lead guitar and Chris Cartlidge (Elvis Fontenot & The Sugar Bees) on fiddle, whistle and pipes. Ian’s new album ‘Blood On A Pale Moon’, released late 2003, moves his songwriting on to new levels. Adding ethnic percussion from Chris Bastock (Backbeat Percussion Quartet), and haunting Alto Sax from Tracey Martin, the collection provides an essential addition to any collector of the modern acoustic genre. New album 'The Whisper' out in 2008. Ians albums are available from nurseryrecords web site, cd baby and i-tunes Flying Shoes Review........ Came out of the blue ( well Stoke on Trent, England to be exact) and a surprise indeed this record. The website is scant on info. although it appears that Ian Lang was once front man for 80's band Small Change and an ex-member of Any Trouble plays on his discs. The vocal similarity to Austin resident Tom Ovans is almost scary but rather than imitation I expect it reflects this artists love for the Dylanesque timbre. The mood is overwhelmingly melancholy but the production whilst not expensive is fitting and mellow. 'Wheatland' has lovely dobro playing ( back cover shows the singer hunched over a national it appears) and has a great slow Tom Waits like feel. Worth seeking out the CD for this track alone. Occasionally the songs stray into sentimental Paul Brady territory but even there the playing and gritty vocal saves the day. 'Highclere Hotel' has a lovely 'pedal steel' sound shimmering behind the melody but as the sleeve insists one not present maybe one of the eclectic lineup of instruments that includes djembe and caxixi ( what that? ed!). That instrumental leads into the more upbeat 'Big Sky' which seems jauntier after the preceeding melancholy. A touch closer to Mike Scotts 'Fishermen Blues' phase and a heart looking northwards I feel as the fiddle saws in and out. In my years reviewing singer-songwriters from these Isles I rarely come across someone who could hold a candle to the very best especially the likes of Scotland's Michael Marra. Well Ian Lang would still shine with his own light if held close to those flames. I don't give praise to UK 'americana' artists often but this guy is the real deal and needs support check his CDs out forthwith! Stoke on Trent's very own Leonard Cohen....well crafted as Wedgwood but coloured dark as blood. ....."I saw a scarecrow in the pouring rain.....livng on faith and alcohol"( 'Protocol')....thank god for surprises like this.....a true trailer star if ever I heard one.SDB ‘Flying Shoes’ 17/03/04