Other Reviews

19/12/2009

Map Or Direction

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John Smith

John Smith has travelled to some far off places for 'Map Or Direction'. Firstly, the southern states of America, then, deep within his own psyche. Both journeys have led to some extraordinary material for this unforeseen release.

John's musical development appeared to be straight forward to some observers: brought up in a household with a soundtrack of blues and classical music, and significantly, records by  Messers Renbourn, Jansch and Drake. His debut, neatly blended his early listening and hinted at a burgeoning experimentalist and classic songwriter in the vein of John Martyn, someone he consequently toured alongside.

Becoming a regular feature on the folk scene John's next move seemed obvious, but not content to make a simple folk record, he accepted an invitation, from producer Jason Boshoff, to cross the Atlantic and spent twelve days recording in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi - after Jason spotted a demo track which sounded 'like a swamp'. It's the catalyst that gives this uncompromising creativity its edge.

The tracks are infused with deep south atmosphere, each track being engulfed by a mini-heat haze. Then, littered with field recordings from the locality: random gun shots, trains and slamming doors are part of the subtlety complex sound. Finally, John sat in totally unorthodox settings, amongst them, a bamboo forest, a church on stilts and a toilet!

With 'Invisible Boy' John sidesteps the usual easy opener, instead opting to detail the difficulties of the meningitis he contracted in his teenage years ('well I guessed that I'd died with my friends at my side'). And, if that brings a tremor of reality, then, 'Axe Mountain' is a forceful jolt that will scorch its macabre images, as a woman avenges loved ones, into any listeners memory bank.

His much talked about guitar work always adds, and generally in constantly inventive ways. Alternatively he seems equally at home with a banjo which he picks and frails on for 'Watch Her Die'. Other strings, brass and sparing percussion augment the warmth of the sound which also works perfectly for the surprise finale; a dramatic twist on 'Death And The Lady'.

In short, a significant release, elevated way beyond the norm through a wilful open mindedness and bags of talent.

David Kushar

http://www.johnsmithjohnsmith.com/