Description
A remarkable 50 years on from the release of An Acoustic Confusion, his 1971 debut, his latest offering, Such Times, bears witness to the fact that he is still very much at the top of his game, and indeed remains “a jewel in the folk and acoustic-world crown.”
Utilising to the full his new self-designed Brooks ‘Calder’ guitar, his trademark articulate, expressive lyrics and musical dexterity are showcased to the full over the 15 tracks. Recorded during the first national lockdown, on this recording, Steve, credited with vocals, acoustic guitar and banjo, is joined by Hugh Bradley, double bass and flute, and David Crickmore, piano, percussion, drums, autoharp and dobro slide.
For just over an hour, this collection of almost exclusively new material, whilst still firmly rooted in the English tradition, covers an intriguing range of musical styles. The subject matter, which includes the mesmerising effect that music can have on children, hilltop climbs and the obscenity of modern-day homelessness, leaves the listener in no doubt that Steve’s role as both an erudite storyteller and social commentator has not diminished over the years. Such Times is an album of great authority, musical diversity and consummate skill. Like a good late vintage port, Steve Tilston really does seem to improve with age.
