Maverick Music Magazine Review

Leicestershire'sJohn Montague shines on a fine set of classic country tunes, recorded on a sojourn to Nashville's Music Row!

The idea of Englishmen tackling classic country material isn't new; but few can carry it off with conviction or panache. There are the odd distinguished exceptions like Albert Lee, Wes McGhee and Mark Knopfler, while major artists like Elvis Costello and more recently Van Morrison, have dabbled in country with mixed results.

John Montague is a stalwart of the Leicestershire music scene; running acoustic clubs where he regularly puts on talent like Bob Cheevers and Clive Gregson as well as focusing on new talent. He is a superior guitar player with a real feel for the classic country genre. For this project John flew to Nashville to record on Music Row with local session pickers. Nine songs were recorded live there with a bass player and drummer; before the tracks were sweetened with some sublime steel guitar and a little lead picking. The feel of the album is very spontaneous and organic sounding; the musicians were encouraged to perform what they heard in their heads.

The set opens with the sound of a locomotive thundering down the line before a twanging guitar introduces the classic She Still Thinks I Care. Montague's vocals are smooth, deep and tuneful. Dylan's You Ain't Going Nowhere is reworked with echoes of the Byrds classic version, the steel playing being particularly noteworthy. The familiar standard Tennessee Waltz is followed by the first real highlight of the CD; a superb version of David and Hampton's Sea Of Heartbreak. I've always liked this song and the sprightly mandolin and quicker pace works a treat. This is followed by the standout track, a sublime Bob Cheevers ballad; Help Me With My Heart featuring great electric and steel work.

It isn't merely coincidence that the more obscure compositions stand out, because the listener often empathises with an original or earlier version of classic songs. However, Montague adds some interesting twists to the classic material he has chosen. Hank Williams' standard Hey Good Looking, swings while Hank Locklin's Please Help Me I'm Falling works well with John's acoustic playing to the fore backed with some lovely mandolin and piano work. The remainder of the Nashville tracks are a fine You, Me and Bobby McGee and Don Williams' You're My Best Friend, a real high point with a lovely acoustic arrangement backed by some weeping steel.

The set concludes with a live take of the Allison gem He'll Have To Go, recorded live on the BBC's Mick Smith's Country show (Nottingham). Light and airy it features friends Dan Britton on guitar and The Last Shot Country Music Duo on harmonies. This is a joyous, good time record performed with a lot of love and verve. John Montague can feel justifiably proud of his Nashville adventure.

 
John Brindle