Kelly Joe Phelps, Nic Jones, Richard Thompson, Nick Drake, Ryan Adams, Skip James, Eric Bibb, Paul Curreri, Reverand Gary Davis, David Francey, Devon Sproule, Leadbelly, Andy Whittle, Jeffrey Foucault, Pearl Jam, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Counting Crows, Gillian Welch, Van Morrison, Mississippi John Hurt
Review from Rock'n'Reel magazine for album launch gig at the Musican Pub Leicester 17/4/08
"The folk-cum-acoustic equivalent of "the new Bob Dylan" kiss-of-death for a performer must be "the new Richard Thompson". Yet, while such a comparison is undoubtedly premature, live tonight for the launch of his new album, it's clear to see why Gren Bartley is attracting this potential millstone.
As an acoustic finger-picking guitar-and-banjo-player he has few if any equals in his age group (and a fair few others); as an acoustic rooted in folk writer he's developing an alarmingly good canon of work, and while his voice is his weakest arm it's more than adequate. Add to that a developing line in wry humour and the picture is complete.
Although he's variously accompanied by the players and singers from his album, it's Bartley who holds the eye and the ear. Whether it's the effortlessly astonishing picking on instrumental "Record Lovelies" (named after those whom he was one, who manned the record stall at Sidmouth one year), his total absorption in the bleak blues "Standing at the Judgement" and "Somebody on your Bond", or his own compositions amongst which "Carry Her Safe" (the title track of his new album) and "Favourite Red Coat" stand out, it's an engrossing and engaging display of virtuosity.
Despite quipping that this is "his hardest gig ever" - he knows many of the audience, including his mother (over whose wallpaper, which features on his poster, a veil should be drawn) - he carries it off to the manner born, and despite only finally leaving the stage at midnight everyone present would have been happy for him to go on long into the wee small hours."(Rock'n'Reel magazine)
"A phenomenal young guitarist and singer.... This chap is definitely going to set the acoustic world alight" (The Real Music Club)
"Gren Bartley is being hailed as the new Richard Thompson and his performances have confirmed him as the best new act of the year." (The Musician, Leicester).
"Bartley proves to be an accomplished songwriter, with a restful voice that lulls its way into the mind and heart." (Allmusic.com)
"Gren is writing alot of his own stuff these days and is also playing a little bingo". (Loughborough Echo)
"With a glorious serated edge, Gren Bartley's "Carry Her Safe" features some great guitar and banjo picking. It's an album of strong heartfelt songs and some great musical interludes, not just instrumentals dotted around the album, but as solos, introductions and finishes to the songs with a vocal element. The sound falls in the slot between English and American folk, there is the spirit of the troubadour about it, particularly when the harmonica kicks in. You can imagine Gren and co hitching a lift at a truck stop trying to get to the next gig. Artists like this seem to be a dying breed" (FATEA)
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
OH, I already left! yesterday! I am afraid I will not be able to fly again till next year *panicking* hope to see u then... I will keep informed about ur gigs
Hey Gren! How's it going? You're at Loughborough soon! I'm just back from Broadstairs, managed to see Faustus, Spiers and Boden etc. which were good! Hope you're ok! xx
Thanks again for playing a blinding set at Ditch The TV! It was great to chat again and to experience your music again. I hope the rest of the (non-stop) tour goes well!! I hope you'll come back again in 2009. Malc
Hi Gren and thanks for the add. You are really very masterful on guitar and I like the 'White Man's Blues' sound you have on some tracks. I always love Blues! Take a look at The AFcollective (Artistic Freedom Collective) in my top friends list. I think you'd fit right in there! Peace, Maria
hi there just whated say im a new fan i like your sound i think your relly good ! most of your leicester date's may not bealbe to make so if u could try get more dates in leicester oct/sep would be relly kinda of u so i could come
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Kumatage Dave Anderson Mable's Husband Marc Block Jake Bugg
Saturday 20th June
Roadblock With DJ Daddio and friends
with live cave performances from
Hicks Jody Kay J Saverio Mark Roberts Kid Conventional
Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st
I'm Not from London/Wire & Wool
The Filming for the 'I'm Not from London, The Movie' continues.
Performers will be filmed doing live versions of there best tunes over at the Art Orginisation then will be interviewed at the loggerheads.
The Bands playing include
The Money, Kogumaza, Love ends disaster,Stop eject, Swound, Chris McDonald, Pilgrim Fathers, Yunioshi, Captain Dangerous, Eviltone, Dog is dead, We show up on radar, The Cult of Dom Keller, Nuclear Family, Gallo Viagra, The joy of Box, Origami Biro, Overvibe, Black Fuzz, Frontiers, Taken by the tide, Par excellence.
