The Labour politician Nye Bevan spearheaded the creation of our NHS during the inception leading up to 1948. Renowned for his oratory skills he was fond of the phrase, when debating: “This is my truth now you tell me yours…”
Bevan the original singer-songwriter, who is helping to spearhead grass-roots sessions Hereford way, has forged a truth from his pencil case of songs for his exemplary folk EP: Live Cellar Sessions. Live because each song was recorded live in just one take by Nye James.
The existential scope of the CD is mightily impressive. From the declaration on the track Forks – “This country has no self-respect” – we are encouraged to think about our predicament. Confessing further into the track, “I am tired of feeling tired of feeling tired,” capturing a collective ennui? These lines would not appear out of place in Mackenzie Crook’s writing.
Tend Your Garden offers some self-help and thoughts for well-being as a result of being outside: “Tend your garden and treat it like your mind.” My partner is currently outside planting seeds and I know how lost in the precious moment she has become…
Bevan’s vocals are distinctive and emotive without sounding forced; at times reminiscent of Justin Currie, at all other times most definitely Bevan. The chord strumming is earthy and foot-tappingly memorable. The nuanced note runs highlight and shimmer throughout the CD. The blues harp on River Woman would have stopped Mr. Wolf from Howling! The hauntingly, ethereal harmonica on the soulful track (I am) The River reflects the beauty of a meandering river, just hinting at the threat of flooding.
For all of the angst and questioning in the lyrics there is a positivity that must not be overlooked. For as Bevan assures in Half way to my Grave: “Got to face the world and stand tall.” Moreover, revealing in “Tend the Garden,” he is still looking for a “four-leaf clover,” as our world-weary troubadour refuses to give up…
Accordingly, anyone of these finely honed songs could appear as a signature tune for Small Prophets.
Surely, producing his debut CD must have been on Bevan’s bucket list – even though they don’t make buckets anymore – and justifiably Nye & Bevan should feel rightly proud of an EP that was…just what the underpaid doctors’ ordered!
By: The Swilgate Scuttler