Bill Angus and the Mighty Ways - Album Review: All Night Before the World Began
Bill had a musical career in England
before deciding to do something different, and returned to his roots when he
started working in New Zealand. This is his third album. Having not heard
the other releases, I cannot say whether they are full band releases or solo, but on this
one he provides (guitar, drums, keyboards, vocals) and he is joined by Emily
Allen (violin, viola, string arrangements), James Currie (bass), and Evy
Vermeire (vocals). I started smiling after about 30 seconds of this album,
settled back, and allowed myself to be transported on a collection of ten
wonderful songs which are a mix of English folk and traditional
singer/songwriter.
Based strongly on the vocals of Bill and his picked guitar, the other musicians are used in different combinations so Evy may not be on every song, nor Emily, although James is a constant. He played with Bill back in the UK, and they have a wonderful understanding, so much so that James uses his instrument to provide underlying melodies as opposed to a 'standard' bass. It is also kept at the right level in the mix, so it never dominates, and he is adept at using the higher registers to create something special. Evy has a delicate voice, harmonising with Bill when the time is right, while Emily adds wonderful string which add to the depth of the accompaniment.
However, this is just icing on what is a very rich caked indeed, with Bill’s wonderful vocals and style, and I can easily imagine him performing with the likes of Davey Dodds, The Albion Band, Show of Hands or even Oysterband, while music such as this cries out to be heard at the mighty Cropredy Festival.
There is very little percussion, which combined with the delicate and highly placed bass means it is often Bill’s vocals which are the dominant force, with the rest of the instruments placed around it to lift it up and never smother it. One can imagine this being performed in the studio with the musicians looking at each other while they played (although given James is in Brisbane) that is probably unlikely. Most of the music is laidback and restrained, but the title track starts with some wonderful bass, and then we are off into a number of multiple parts which is somewhat quicker in tempo than the others.
This is a delightful album which any lover of modern English-style folk will do well to seek out, and I am already looking to see when I catch him in concert.
About Bill Angus and the Mighty Ways
After that he hung up his guitar for a few years to try to get an education and got lucky being offered a job in New Zealand. 10 years on, after releasing two solo albums and bubbling under the surface at various folk festivals and open mics, he's very glad to release this third album All Night Before The World Began with the help of some amazing musicians.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Bill Angus and the Mighty Ways
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