A virtuoso of the acoustic guitar, Stuart Masters creates a sound that’s been likened to Nick Drake and Syd Barrett. It seems odd that so many artistes would be compared to Barrett, given that his rather scant post-Floyd output borders on the disturbing. Aside from just about managing to string a few chords together, Barrett could all too often be heard mumbling through nonsensical lyrics he seems to only barely remember. This fourth release from Masters, the wonderful ‘Mystic Blue & The Black Balloon’, is nothing like Syd. It’s sometimes possible to hear why comparisons have been made to Drake, however, for Stuart is very fond of a finger picked style and almost pastoral moods – but the combination of his dexterous playing, loops and layered approach to most things is sometimes closer in spirit to another guitarist…and one from more recent times. It might be fair to say that fans of Matt Stevens will find an instant kinship with Masters and his complex soundscapes.
Tag Archives: acoustic
MOCK DEER – How We Used To Live EP
Mock Deer is a London based duo specialising in stripped down, DIY alt-folk sounds. Their second release, 2015’s ‘How We Used To Live’, recorded with members of Dead Flowers, is a sometimes low-key and often thoughtful affair. Its four songs almost place the listener in the middle of Mock Deer’s studio space, the recordings bring a natural live sound; it almost feels as if it’s allowing us access on private time as the musician spins timeless yarns with a smart, no frills musical backdrop.
NATHAN EDWARDS – Far Away From Here
In 2011, Dakota based singer songwriter Nathan Edwards released his debut album ‘New Season’, a heartfelt collection of acoustic folk-pop tunes with a big heart. Issuing a selection of Stephen Foster penned material as a stop gap, Edwards then set about working on his second collection of new, original material. Having then taken some four years to create ‘Far Away From Here’, Edwards certainly couldn’t be accused of rushing…and the care taken in ensuring this second proper release is of a high standard is evident right from the get go.
Watch Bluetones man Mark Morriss cover Sisters of Mercy!
At the end of July 2015, singer-songwriter Mark Morriss releases his second solo album ‘The Taste of Mark Morriss’.
On the LP, the sometime Bluetones frontman covers tunes from a range of eras and influences including REM, Scott Walker, Madonna and Weezer.
Joe Lynn Turner to play UK acoustic shows
Legendary vocalist Joe Lynn Turner returns to the UK in April for a run of intimate acoustic shows where he will draw material from across his thirty year career.
While Joe has most recently been heard on albums by Rated X, Brazen Abbott and Sunstorm, for most fans, he is best loved for his three album stint with Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow in the 80s, lending his talents to the classic ‘Difficult To Cure’ in 1981, before ‘Right Between The Eyes’ and the under-rated ‘Bent Out of Shape’.