by Mary Irvine
I’ve just finished listening – again – to an EP of four new songs from accomplished singer/songwriter and ‘Bankie’, Jim Byrne.
Four very different tracks.
Most people will relate to the theme of loss and remembrances in ‘The Yellow Clock’, the theme of true love and temptation in ‘This Heart of Mine is a Blind, Blind Fool’ – I found shades of Robbie Robertson in this track.
‘Tell the Devil I’ve Stole His Crown of Pain’, a so-called ‘murder ballad’, put me in mind of Ry Cooder and a possible Western soundtrack.
The final track is ‘The Holy Ghost’.
I know what it means to me, decide for yourself what it means to you!
Whenever I have seen Jim perform live or listened to his music, it is obvious he engages with other good musicians and singers.
Choosing such to complement his own voice and deliver the lyrics, reflects someone who cares about producing a polished result.
If you’re a country and folk fan this is for you.
If you’re not a fan but appreciate good all-round musicianship then it’s for you too.
Issued by Foxstar Records,‘4 Country & Folk Songs’ is available from www.jimbyrne.bandcamp.com/