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Post by delb0y on Apr 14, 2023 8:42:02 GMT
I really like John Moreland. Great voice, song-writing, and fine supportive fingerpicking. All with a big dose of emotion. Everythingright up my street!
I keep feeling guilty because I've watched many of his videos but never bought an album. The reason is that when I've investigated his recordings they're all full of other instrumentation which, for me, spoils the stripped down essence of what makes John and his music beautiful.
I've long thought that the arranger is the quiet and unappreciated genius of modern music. There's been many an average song that has become (justifiably) huge because of the arrangement. And often I find myself thinking "How did they come up with that!?" But when it comes to acoustic music I'm finding more and more that artists I love on Youtube are disappointing when I buy a CD because they've gone down a big sound route, taking the opportunity to go for a different sound with loads more instrumentation. Or maybe they just get pressurised by record companies - although I suspect record companies are a thing of the past for artists at this level. Indeed there are probably half a dozen that come immediately to mind where I've bought an album and never play it - preferring to go back to the live Youtube videos. Just some examples - Ray Wylie Hubbard, Harry Manx, Darrell Scott, Donovan Woods, even Leo Kottke has done it!
Maybe it's me. But the smaller the ensemble the happier I am :-)
Derek
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Post by borborygmus on Apr 15, 2023 10:35:24 GMT
I like John Moreland too (this post has taken me to his latest record, Birds In The Ceiling, which I'm listening to as I write). It'll probably blow your mind, as it seems to have electronica on it. I think have seen him live, supporting Jason Isbell, some years ago. He played solo then. I wonder if the difference is also the medium? On video, Moreland's not-inconsiderable charisma easily comes through, and the combination of a great song and a great presence is enough. On record, we can't actually see him... maybe it needs more instrumentation to get that heft. Live performance (albeit video'ed) will always have a different dynamic than recorded. I dunno, thinking out loud... These days I seem to prefer the smaller, intimate gigs, rather than huge spectacles. Certainly, I want to be able to clearly see the live performer with my own eyes, rather than on a big screen. Have got to track 5 on the new album - Dim Little Light. Just him, guitar and some very light percussion. Peter
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Post by earwighoney on Apr 15, 2023 10:50:16 GMT
I really like John Moreland. Great voice, song-writing, and fine supportive fingerpicking. All with a big dose of emotion. Everythingright up my street! I keep feeling guilty because I've watched many of his videos but never bought an album. The reason is that when I've investigated his recordings they're all full of other instrumentation which, for me, spoils the stripped down essence of what makes John and his music beautiful.
Agree.
Do you know Gems on VHS? They have a lot of 'authentic' country singers. Some absolute beauties on their YT channel, worth checking out if you haven't already.
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Apr 15, 2023 13:09:44 GMT
Yep, huge John Moreland fan here and I've done covers of a number of his songs (HB14 beware! ) and I know what you mean. I understand the need for the bigger production, but I too much prefer the stripped back 'raw' basic recordings and performances.
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Welshruss
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Post by Welshruss on Apr 16, 2023 8:36:31 GMT
Where do I start with his music? I really like the video.
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