Shipcote

Here's the first review for my new album - Shipcote "Highland Company"................................. If anyone has read my reviews in the Link the last few years, they will know that I'm a huge fan of both Graham 'Shipcote' Anderson and Martin Stephenson so you can imagine what a joy it was to receive this new CD from Shippy featuring Martin on lead guitar but also producing the album in its entirety (with the exception of one track which was recorded at Frankie Gibbon's in Chester Le Street.) It really is a lovely album. Although I'm sure Shippy had written these songs before recording them, the beautiful space and the calm of the Highlands has undoubtedly shaped and permeated through this beautiful set of songs. It is not a collection of songs that shouts for your attention, it seems to gently whisper in your ear. Shippy has a great relaxed, almost conversational way of addressing his songs and the backing group on this album perfectly complements this. Martin's lead guitar is never attention seeking. Stikks gently lays down the brushes on his snare. The sax drifts in and out like a summer breeze and the backing vocals by Gem Andrews and Helen MacCookerybook work so well alongside Shippy. For all I know it could have been recorded in the kitchen but it has an airy and spacious feel as though it was recorded on the porch of the cottage. The songs are up there with Shippy's best. You threw it away seems to be a Shipcot-ry and Western put down of a fickle friend. We will knock has some beautiful harmonies and the gospel feel reminds me so much of the Will the circle be unbroken (performed by Johnny and Roseanne Cash). My little girl is a sweet and tender lament from a Dad to his daughter which is a great companion to his She's not a child from his Songs and Duets album. Lonesome Blue is a version of a J Miller song and it is a really lovely ballad. And I can totally relate to the sentiments of Simple Man where he expresses his longing for simple pleasures in a world obsessed with fashion and materialism. If you want to purchase the album, check out Shippy's myspace for details: wwwmyspace.com/shipcote Chris Bartley Link Magazine - July 08