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Artist – S.J. Downes
EP – Lion’s Path
Released – 11th December 2020
Reviewer – Stuart Todd, Liverpool Acoustic
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A master interpreter of the delta blues genre of the 1920s and 30s, S.J. Downes is well-versed in acoustic roots music, having spent a protracted period of time in America recording albums in Brooklyn, Kansas City and New Orleans for the label Never Records.
Making a welcome return to his spiritual home of Liverpool, the travelling bluesman issues his debut release on the Mellowtone label. Written and recorded in his home studio during the summer of 2020, Lion’s Path is an instrumental four-track EP that captures the visionary guitarist in an inspired mood.
According to the artist, the overall theme for each track is Love (All My Life), Death (Death Blues), Hope (The Light Will Shine) and Unity (A Better Way). A raw sound that incorporates the authentic use of acoustic guitar, harmonica and bottleneck slide, these effective mood pieces were recorded in real time using magnetic tape.
There’s much to admire in the playing but it may be an acquired taste to some listeners. It’s perhaps wise that these themes have been condensed into a format that makes the music more palatable.
Lion’s Path by S.J. Downes is an organic listening experience that represents a crossroads on an acoustic journey of self-discovery, “away from the discord and chaos of the outer world.”
Stuart Todd
Review © 2020 Stuart Todd, Liverpool Acoustic
Lion’s Path is released on 11th December through Mellowtone Records and is available on all major digital platforms through Ditto Music.
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S.J. Downes
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