320 kbps | 119 MB | UL | OB | TB
When asked what message the award winning author RJ Ellory had for his readers, he replied: ‘There is nothing so fragile, complex or fascinating as the human condition.’ And it’s that sense of wonder that anchors the observatory narratives of ‘Low Country’ by The Whiskey Poets.
Together with multi instrumentalist Martin Smith and platinum selling percussionist Hossam Ramzy, RJ and his Americana influenced outfit emphasize lyrics and melodies framed by solid arrangements.
Ellory’s earnest phrasing has echoes of Pete Atkin, though he’s smart enough to punctuate several mid-tempo outings with uplifting moments such as the tension building ‘The Lesson’ and the subtle horn arrangement and strong hook of ‘This Time’.
‘Low Country’ is a lyrical driven album given instrumental emphasis by former ELO bassist Martin Smith’s on pedal steel and assorted guitars – he also co-produced and engineered the album – while the band shape the melodies rather than dominate them.
The impressive opener ‘Black To Blue’ is effectively a template for a mid-paced album on which RJ’s world weary vocals draw the listener into his lyrics, on the back of a gentle drifting piano line and gently strummed guitar. It’s a spacious brush stroked arrangement that serves to highlight the emotional pull of his lyrics: “Black to Blue is what we do, each time we’re through, come on back to you, the things I don’t understand, seem greater than before, except that you were certain, now you seem unsure.”