Saturday 25 April 2015

Folkwords.com reviews "Shoeless In the Desert"...

A truly excellent review of the upcoming "Shoeless In The Desert" release has recently been published by Folkwords.com. Grateful thanks to Tim Carroll! 

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‘Shoeless In The Desert’ Trevor Midgley - heartfelt compassion and irreverent humour (April 23, 2015)

There’s no doubt about it, Trevor Midgley (aka Beau) writes wickedly sharp lyrics that never fail to make their point, whether he’s looking at the world with heartfelt compassion, irreverent sarcastic humour or a faintly cynical, somewhat caustic view. His latest album, ‘Shoeless In The Desert’ proves that once again, this time he serves up an eclectic dish of 14 songs that range from an interesting look at the attraction of prosperous shoeless in the desert - coverwestern lands for incomers, the problems of taking credit for luck, duodenal ulcers and heart attacks, young kids carrying (and using) guns, cynical calculation and the sequence of dreams … a bold spread of observation not undertaken by every singer songwriter to say the least.

The nature of Midgley’s writing is eclectic, personal and sharp, surrounding his songs with a penetrating, clearly identifiable voice and lightly struck 12-string guitar. He’s unafraid to add a biting observation to his lyrics and constructs songs that fit the narrative style into his own distinctive delivery – peculiar in originality, eccentric in observation. The resigned acceptance and harsh understanding of ‘Storm In The Eye Of God’ and the truths within ‘Uncle Joe’ are set against the practical advice and spellbinding phrasing of ‘Don’t Let Them Take You Away’ and the truly enchanting ‘Masquerade’. He demonstrates further breadth as he moves into the world of the storyteller being both actor and spectator in the unfolding drama of a failing relationship with ‘Theatre Song’ and the darkly gothic tale of ‘The Deacon’s Revenge’.

‘Shoeless In The Desert’ is another Midgley album that deserves considerably more recognition than I fear it may receive. This nation is blessed with singer songwriters of considerable calibre, and Midgely belongs to those ranks, unfortunately wider recognition often eludes them in favour of form over content. 

Find Trevor Midgley aka Beau, here: www.trevormidgley.com

Reviewer: Tim Carroll


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