Roger Askew
Big Fire
© 2006 Roger Askew (5050521001722)
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Great songs, great playing and earthy singing, you'll hum the choruses for weeks.
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notes
Although he’s probably better known for performing with or producing artists such as Christy Moore, Eleanor Shanley, Bliss, Spikedrivers or Brian Kennedy, Roger’s first album of his own songs Scarab Moon was well received when released through Siren Music three years ago and it seemed natural that before long a second would follow.
In the intervening period as well as writing the songs for the new album, there has been a steady stream of gigs, a couple of radio plays, a track on the Songmakers’ Project compilation and of course several recording and mixing sessions resulting in the new twelve track CD Big Fire.
Roger is aided throughout this album by gigging partner and top double bass player Olly Blanchflower, and if the feel of this album is somewhat more acoustic than the first, then it is probably Olly’s influence shining through. The inspiring drum tracks are courtesy of Peter Baron, mainstay of Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes who found time within his busy touring schedule to spend a few days with Roger and Olly up at Juan Lopez’s Utopia Studios in Hertfordshire where the bulk of the tracks were recorded.
Modern recording being less studio bound than in earlier days meant that the tracks could be finished at home, with vocal contributions from Phoene Cave, who also graced the first album and a number of gigs in between. There are also some excellent performances from a handful of other musicians who add sparkle and colour to the songs. Henry Lowther plays some lovely flugel horn, Clare Lindley adds a wonderful touch with her violin and viola, Alan Dunn, regular member of Bob Geldof’s band plays accordion on a couple of songs and Spikedrivers’ guitarist Ben Tyzack delivers a mean slide guitar.
Roger is playing regular gigs with Olly in the UK, featuring songs from both of his albums.
reviews
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Top class
author: MaverickAll-in-all a high creditable album from a top class singer-songwriter.
Well crafted piece of work
author: Blues Matters, Roy BaintonA man with a particularly confident rich vocal style, a skilled guitar player who also knows his way around a keyboard. All the songs on this album are written by the man himself, and pretty damn good they are too. A well - crafted, tasteful piece of work.
Plenty to listen to
author: Ayo Bamidele, rootsmusic .co.ukRoger Askew’s second album “Big Fire” is a worthy follow up to his debut “Scarab Moon”. It ploughs a similar furrow in acoustic based tracks - blues, rock and pop. Roger's voice seems fuller and stronger on this new CD, especially on tracks such as "Let me be a River", "After the Harvest" and "Into the Flame". Roger's lyrics conjure images of life stories and the great out doors. Plenty to listen to here.
Great Voice, Fine songs
author: Classic Rock Society, Martin Hudson“This album blew me away, not only has Askew got a great voice & written fine songs but he has brought on board musicians and backing vocals that add the finishing polish!”
Excellent Guitar
author: Blues in Britain, Norman Darwen“Although this is not a blues album it is worth a mention- some excellent slide guitar on the track “On A Night Like This”.
Big Fire, Big Voice, Big Talent
author: Americana UK“Roger Askew’s second album is a delight. It’s divinely musical, with a bit of funk, a bit of rock, plenty of groove and some great songs particularly the title track. “Big Fire”- big voice, big talent”.