http://https://www.facebook.com/Serious-Sam-BarrettYaDig-Records-185802254796469/
Leeds’ good ole blues boy Serious Sam Barrett; back from touring America with the Pine Hill Haints armed with his trusty acoustic guitar and banjo, and of course voice and a bunch of self-penned songs with Robert Frost on accordion for “Me And You Tonight” and “New Bird, Needle And The Dustbowl (The Ballad Of)” delivers one excellent record.
The music is plain, simple and pure as it comes as Barrett serves up a sampling of his work, the uncomplicated style adds to the authenticity of his work as he follows in the footsteps of folk troubadour Woody Guthrie, old blues masters from the American south and rural folk country acts of the Appalachia. Barrett’s well-oiled finger picking on 12-string guitar lends a wonderful warm feel as he rambles along music’s highway, and though it is a few thousand miles from Leeds to America’s southern region he transports the listener there in a heartbeat.
It isn’t till the fourth track Barrett exchanges guitar for banjo, but the wait is worthwhile as he takes a trip into the hills for “From The Shoals To Montana”. Chugging along mid-paced Barrett tells a rather intense story of how he won’t be coming home back to his girl, and for another of reflective feel “The Last Thing” bounces along without a hitch. Some of the music could, by those unfamiliar with the art be on occasions sound a little repetitive but it detracts non from the authenticity or beauty of his roots born creations. For one I wouldn't want his music to sound any other way. Such the welcoming feel performed from first note till last.
With such delights as “Me And You Tonight” as the sound is one from closer home, and with “New Bird, Needle And The Dustbowl (The Ballad of)” to round off the record Barrett leaves a pleasant taste with the listener, one so good you’ll feel a need to catch his live show.
Maurice Hope