Being unfamiliar with Martin Harley’s accomplished career, I was delighted to dig into the contents of ‘Live At Southern Ground’, a live, acoustic-orientated collection of some of his best material over the course of his career. Recorded with upright bassist Daniel Kimbro, who has worked with the likes of Jerry Douglas and Larkin Poe, Martin describes the record as “I wanted to make something representative of where I’m at musically at the moment”. The pair of players met through a mutual friend in Knoxville, and descended on the legendary Southern Ground Studios in Nashville armed with a traditional Hawaiian acoustic guitar (played across the lap), resonator guitars, archtops and upright bass, making for a 10-track album that is warm, roomy, soulful, deliciously twangy and an altogether great listen.
Known primarily as a roots and blues guitarist, the Welsh-born, English-raised musician makes it clear on this record, without the hindsight of back catalog listening, of where his stylistic home lies. Still, the laid-back nature of these recordings means that Martin can extend these forms and explore multiple musical ideas without having to really pin down their genre. On ‘Chocolate Jesus’ (a Tom Waits cover that Martin has previously recorded with his band) and the hidden track especially, there’s an element of abstract freeform that springs from the speakers in a far more mass-appealing way than it might with a full band, on a conventional record.
Beyond the blues, there are notes of country, such as in the pretty ‘Automatic Life’ (which has a touch of the English storyteller about it), and the lonesome ‘Goodnight Irene’, while bluegrass makes an entrance for ‘Nobody’s Fault But Mine’. Throughout Martin tackles the tracks with ease, his vocals gliding over the simple stringed arrangements and allowing him to shine in a far more revealing setting than he has been typically afforded. Daniel’s parts are not to be undermined either, as his musicianship is a welcome addition to an album that might have lacked excitement with just the accompaniment of an acoustic guitar. Instead, we are treated to a technically proficient and interesting backing, one that is often pushed into the spotlight in a bid of true showmanship.
It is great to hear any artist as stripped-back as this, and certainly Martin and Daniel’s effort is one of the best I’ve heard. No bells and whistles, just great interpretations of fan favorites, to the point where they feel like new songs. This album is perfect for fans of Martin Harley’s band, but also for fans of great music who are not yet familiar with him, striking the ideal balance that all musicians strive to accomplish. I thoroughly enjoyed this record and you will too.
‘Live At Southern Ground’ is due for release on September 25 and Martin is embarking on an in November and December. A duo tour is planned to follow in March 2016.
Originally posted here.
