Review of Low Country Boys’ ‘No Lang Tae Go’ and ‘Plain And Simple’.

www.lowcountryboys.com

In the last issue of our publication we examined the development of the Christian music scene in Northern Ireland and promised to look at what contemporary offerings are available. We will begin by taking at look at County Down’s Low Country Boys. Now a three piece comprising Gibson Young, Ivan McFerran and Richard Mottram, this outfit have firmly established themselves as first rate purveyors of rootsy gospel music. Their two most recent offerings No Long Tae Go (2009) and this year’s Plain an Simple showcase in the studio what they do so well live – close harmonies and quality musicianship infused with a sincere, uncomplicated spirituality.

No Lang Tae Go boasts 16 tracks and features well-known hymns and choruses such as Rock of Ages and The Happy Day Express as well as spoken word tracks and instrumentals. There are also very endearing pieces using ‘the hamely tongue’ such as O Aa The Airts and Drunkard’s Ragit Wean.

This recording certainly offers a good balance between light and shade. The haunting accapello version of Rock Of Ages, which makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, is in stark contrast to the jaunty, lilting version of Happy Day Express. The spoken word of O Aa The Airts is a devotional poem to the Lamb Of God back by an ethereal howling wind effect evocative of the Holy Ghost Himself. The crackling record effect adds to this giving it a stark, ancient, mystical quality. The instrumental Granda’s 35 is a tour de force on banjo and guitar guaranteed to lift the spirits of even the most ‘crabbit auld divil’.

The c.d. booklet is a treasure trove in itself with all sorts of historical rural memorabilia from the boys’ beloved Ards Peninsula. All in all a very well put together package.

On a close listen, it is hard to believe that the Low Country Boys’ latest offering, Plain an Simple, was almost an afterthought springing out of impromptu recording sessions by Ivan McFerran. It opens with Tumblin’ Jack, a banjo-led instrumental with harmonica interludes. This is another foot-tapper guaranteed to make you smile.

The second track, Sweet Rivers, displays those rich, haunting vocal harmonies characteristic of the Low Country Boys and is definitely a highpoint on the album. Gospel standards such as I’ll Fly Away, Jesus Loves Me and Nothing But The Blood give the boys excellent foundations for displaying a range of musical moods as well as their musicianship and fine vocal abilities.

One of my favourite tracks has to be the instrumental The Old Crosscut Saw which featured on a BBC Radio Ulster show showcasing humorous local anecdotes. It sees fiddle and banjo trading off each other and is very infectious. I also appreciate the fantastic dobro playing on Workin’ On The Farm, a wonderfully witty reflection on the joys of raising livestock.

The final track “Time Has Gone” not only reflects the culmination of the album but is also a reflection on the transient nature of life and an appeal to look to the transcendent in life for meaning.

If roots music with a spiritual flavour is your scene I would definitely commend these cd’s to you and would encourage you to catch the boys live if you have occasion to do so.

Review by Andy McKinney