‘Every lesson In Its Turn’ is the debut album from Red Bird Sky, which is a band that features the song writing duo of Bernie Maguire and Mike Seal.
From first listening to the country music overtones that dominate the album, one would be forgiven for thinking that the band hailed from the States. However, this home grown talent comes from Birmingham, and this album is a real joy to listen to. As well as the country and Americana influences, there are subtle inflections of folk music and even the blues which add to the overall listening experience.
As well as Bernie on vocals, and Mike on guitar, the band features Dan Cutrona on keyboards, Gordie Mackeeman on fiddle, and James Phillips on mandolin. One thing that may strike the listener is the absence of bass or drums, however, I was halfway through the album before I noticed, the playing of the band members is that fluid and seamless.
The album has ten tracks, opening with ‘a mountain of me’ (all their song titles appear in lower case). This is a perfect introduction to the band and their music. An acoustic guitar driven country song with prominent fiddle playing which accompanies Bernie’s vocals flawlessly. A bright and upbeat melody, the band play to their strengths here: - “I'm like a rock at the shore, and the sea takes a little bit more/ Of me every day, washing me away with every turn of the tide, there's no way I can hide.”
As good a track as this may be, for me, the band really came to the fore with ‘where the wild things grow’, a country rocker that really chugs along and balances acoustic guitar and mandolin expertly, the track has a slightly bluesy feel to it due to the earthiness of Bernie’s vocal, which really make this a listening pleasure: - “I went down to the place they told me I shouldn’t go/And I learned me some things they said I shouldn’t know/ And I saw some things people ain’t supposed to show/ When I went down to the place where the wild things grow.”
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Its not all country style music though, the band can produce a nice line in ballads when it suits them, such as the magnificent ‘stories’, a keyboard and acoustic ballad that is atmospheric, and builds as Bernie comes across with some moving lyrics: - “Bring your last tears to my heart, every one right from the start/ Everything you have to share. Come and tell me if you dare.” Quite rightly, this is the first single release from the album, which is available as a download from most outlets.
With a debut like this, I think that Red Bird Sky will soon be selling out venues near you. Definitely one to look out for this summer.
Red Sky Music online
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