PDC MUSIC
For a band hailing from London, The Rosinators
have a truly unexpected sound. This is American roots music
with a huge capital A the size of Texas. A blend of Bluegrass,
Country, Cajun, Gospel and American Roots Music, this is the
sound of a band playing from the heart, but with their influences
far wider than the average UK band.
An album of covers of mainly traditional roots songs, plus
a few contempary covers by artists like Tom Waits and one
original song is whats on offer here.
From the opening moments, its country tinged acoustic guitars,
fiddles, mandolins and evocative country vocals all the way.
Old Joe Clark, has these qualities in spades. With a sound
that instantly transports you to a romantic vision of old
time Americana, this has an upbeat musical feel to it thats
impossible to discard. In My Time Of Dyin, a traditional blues
standard from the 1920s - theres a more downbeat tone, but
still containing the same high quality of muscianship, authenticity
and integrity that drives this entire album.
On, Looking For The Stone, the acoustic guitar drives along
another classy blues run-through. With a quality of recording
and musicianship that has the effect of almost making you
believe the band are playing live in the same room as you
at times, its clear that The Rosinators are an accomplished
band that play from the heart with a real passion for the
music they record.
One of the real highlights of the album is, I Saw The Light,
a Hank Williams classic thats given the respect it deserves.
A simple no-frills version, with multiple vocal performances
- all of which deliver the lyrics with authentic style.
As the only original compostition on offer, Oblivion, is perhaps
the best indication of The Rosinators as a band with anything
concrete to offer. And fortunately, they deliver in style.
A slow country groove with gospel overtones, this is another
highlight of an impressive record. Finishing with a Tom Waits
cover, Ponchos Lament, is always going to be a winner. A melancholy
blues/country ballad, this ends things on a low-key high.
Theres no escaping the fact that this is an album of cover
versions, and as such showcases The Rosinators more as a band
capable of recording other peoples songs with real authenticity
and professionalism than as an original musical force. The
one original song, does however show that the band are capable
of delivering their own impressive material, and personally
its this side of things that would prove to be more interesting.
Still, this is a great introduction to the band and an enjoyable
record.
Since forming in London England in 2001,
the band have quickly established a reputation in the UK for
their vibrant live performances. In 2003 they toured on the
South coast of England and in Holland, where they were the
only UK band at the European World Of Bluegrass Festival,
before returning to play at the renowned Glastonbury Festival.
Already booked for several major UK festivals in 2004, The
Rosinators have also been invited back to Northern Ireland
to play at the renowned Appalachian And Bluegrass Music Festival
in Omaghs Folk Park, where they made there first Irish appearance
last year.
In July 2003 the band featured in the Top 10 for 4 weeks on
the EMS (European Most Popular Independent) airplay chart
and in December 2003 made their first appearance at the international
Folkdj-l Top Albums Chart at 40.
Paul Castle (guitar,banjo,vocals) is also a songwriter whose
material has been successfully covered by artists including
Frances Black (with Mary Black), whilst his music for UK TV
has had global exposure. On the internet, Paul is also known
for the monthly Across The Pond column, covering the UK acoustic/roots
scene and originally written for the US about.com folk music
site, hosted by Hugh Blumenfeld.
Will Sneyd (fiddle,mandolin,vocals) was a founding member
of Ti-fer Cajun Dance Band and Past Caring. Also a member
of The Larry Love Showband, Will fetures on the latest Alabama
3 acoustic album, Last Train To Mashville.
Fliss Premru (fiddle,vocals) was a founding member of the
well respected all-girl Cajun dance band, Joli Blon.
LINE-UP
Paul Castle - guitar/banjo/vocals
Will Sneyd - fiddle/mandolin/vocals
Fliss Premru - fiddle/vocals
Leigh Gordon - bass
Stuart Crosbie - drums
Clare Gilliam - triangle
THE ROSINATORS (2003-PDC Music)
Old Joe Clark
In My Time Of Dyin
Blue Ridge Mountain Blues
Looking For The Stone
Joli Blon
Cindys Breakdown
Port Arthur Blues
I Saw The Light
J Etais Au Bal (I Want To Dance)
Orange Blossom Special
Oblivion
Ponchos Lament
CONTACT
Email - info@rosinators.com
LINKS
The Rosinators - www.rosinators.com
PDC Music - www.pdcmusic.com
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