Proper Brew released on Dirk Powell’s new created Wood And Steel record label follows in the footsteps of Holland-born Vera Van Heeringen’s debut record, Standing Tall. Like its predecessor Proper Brew is a classy, understated record. Acoustic guitarist, singer-songwriter Vera Van Heeringen combines Appalachian and European strains as she travels a journey taking in both. Her graceful playing like with those accompanying her is of the kind of a good malt, it tends to seep into ones soul, gently.
But that is not the end of the story, for her plaintive tones and astutely penned songs are accompanied by the crisp musicianship of Dave Luke (electric, acoustic, lap steel guitar, harmony vocals), Andy Seward (double bass), Dirk Powell (piano, electric bass guitar), Jock Tyldesley (banjo, fiddle, double bass), Rayna Gellert (fiddle, harmony vocals), Ian Kelly (drums), MG. Boulter (pedal steel, resonator, lap steel guitar), Ian Kelly (drums), Kris Drever) acoustic guitar, harmony vocals), Sam Sweeney (drums, knees) and VVH on acoustic guitar, mandolin; plus harmony vocals from Tim O’Brien and Neil McSweeney.
Topping them all you have “Cold Winter Evening” as Heeringen’s finely spun lyrics, guitar and vocals enjoy the superb harmony vocals of Drever to remove the listener to another place in time. Heeringen’s ability to keep it simple, lyrically and instrumentally ensure the album from front to back is awash in with songs of a beautiful peaceful ambiance; as heard on the excellent “Believer”.
Hot on the heels of guitar instrumental, title track “Proper Brew” (w/ Drever). “Wildest Truth” is pretty much the norm, before she shakes it up on pedal steel, upright bass propelled “Riverside House”. Given a hillbilly flavour the playing again is superb, following it is a more measured “Mad Jack” and with some of the most precious acoustic guitar and lead vocals “Milk And Honey” is especially sweet. Vera’s measured style and love of stripped down, but at the same time statement-like music possesses an occasional nod towards Welch (Gillian) & Rawlings (Dave) without it detracting any. Album closer “It’s All Been Said” may be correct on this occasion, lyrically but as far as music is concerned the likes of herself, and man lending harmony vocals on the track Tim O’Brien still have a good few more furrows to turn, seed to plant and harvests to gather.
Maurice Hope