'If Only' album review
Pete Feenstra, realmusiclive.co.uk
Slowly but surely Blues Matters has grown as a label that has opened the door to new blues talent in the UK. And in Sean Webster they have unearthed a raw gem. Armed with an expressive husky voice, capable of some world weary phrasing, and a better than confident guitar style, Sean Webster is a rock blues player with a big future.
Above all as this album proves, he is not limited to the Rock Blues format, as he has penned several very strong songs, on which his brusque guitar style is a classy appendage rather than the song's raison d'être.
The album open with an Ian Parker style ballad "Hero" and is followed by a staccato funky arrangement that would grace many a Free/Paul Rogers outing, as the piece expands into an expansive melodic chorus.
As happy playing acoustic as well as electric guitar, both the "Hurting So Bad" and the Paul Weller feel of the closing "Lie To Me", suggest a young artist with a Pop sensibility as well as some core blues roots. And when he does play the blues as on "So Rare", he does so with total conviction and a soulful feeling that is rare in an artist recording his first album.
And it when you realise that Sean has only recently started to record his own material, that you realise the potential he has. With a great voice, a tough but intuitive guitar style, and a willingness to patiently build up the dynamics, "If Only" is a fine debut album from arguably the most exciting new talent to emerge from Nottingham since Ian Siegal.
Sounds Like
Sean has been compared with many great artists including Albert Collins, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour and Gary Moore. His vocal style has drawn comparisons with Joe Cocker, Bryan Adams and Jonny Lang.
Sean Webster is the brilliant front man guitar vocalist for the 3 piece band with a great reputation on the British Blues and rock scene. Since forming in 2003 they have been making great headway both in the U.K and Europe.
2004 was a big year for Sean, as he released the debut album “Long Time Coming”. This put the band in the public eye for the first time, and showcased Sean’s fine guitar playing, which combines a great number of influences including Albert Collins, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Gary Moore and SRV to name a few. His vocal style is of a rich, sexy tone with a low end rumble drawing comparisons with Joe Cocker, Bryan Adams and Jonny Lang.
Britain’s leading blues magazine “Blues Matters!” has described the debut album as “A real gem”, concluding that Sean was:
“…. set for big stages with superb guitar work…. They’ll soon be bursting out of the Nottingham area now Sean has got his writing shoes on.”
2005 saw the band perform many live dates around the U.K. including main stage performances at, Burnley Festival, Maryport Festival the prestigious Great British R&B Festival in Colne in August with organisers quoting, “ Sean is a new legend in the making. He has rich powerful vocals and searing guitar licks. Like so many, he has been working hard for years but these are Sean Webster’s years, and he is in his ascendancy”.
Sean’s second cd release entitled, “ If Only” pushed the boundaries of the blues music, with Sean reaching out to a wider and (often) younger audience.
“ If Only” came to the attention of Tony Edser, editor of “ Where`s Eric! “ the official Eric Clapton magazine who decided to feature Sean as The “ One to watch ”. Having personally placed a copy of the cd in Eric`s hands, it has been rumoured that Sean may be inline for supporting Eric in next years tour.
An extract reads, “This is an original collection of blues based songs, skilfully played, nicely produced and with some beautifully melodic guitar work. If Eric is stuck for a decent support act for his forth coming Euro tour, he need look no more “.
Sean recorded a live session for the Paul Jones show on BBC radio 2 which was aired in September 2006, enabling some 500,000 people to hear Sean’s music.
He regularly has his music played on radio stations around the world, including Bosnia, Canada, Spain, France, and Germany etc.
As well as performing various dates throughout the U.K. he has just returned from a very successful 5 week tour of America, taking in Chicago, Minnesota, Houston, Galvaston and Austin Texas. Aswell as having a great learning experience he had the chance to meet up with Jimmie Vaughn and Doyle Bramhall II. Check out the pictures page.
The double album " Live and in Session " is now out and available at gigs and via the website.
Sean hopes to continue his growth in the music industry and bring his music to new ears, both young and old. Sean has something for everyone, make sure you catch him at the earliest opportunity.
Download the new EP 'Hear Me Now' from itunes here ..
You can contact Sean via his website at www.seanwebster.com
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That was a really great show today at the Blues At The Farm, with you Tom and Phil all on top form. Your version of "I'd Rather Go Blind" was supurb and I have NEVER known the audience to listen as quietly as that - there was not a sound from anyone throughout the song. I'm looking forward to seeing you again at Skeggie in January and also back at the club next year.
Hi,Promoting an evening of cool blues and hot gypsy jazz at The University of Sheffield on 7 November. Kyla Brox and The Samuel C Lees Quartet. Advance ticket offer : £10 rather than £12 call 0114 222 8968 and quote "Ents24 Code US1" Two Headline Acts : One Show ! 8pm to 11pm. Kyla Brox "The Voice" "Blues Diva" "The Samuel C Lees Quartet does a great job of combining the traditional side of gypsy jazz with a modern feel and groove, which is both unique and and extremely desirable to listen to!" John Jorgenson Quintet.
Confirmed for 23rd October at the Flowerpot, Derby. One of the finest UK blues guitarists at the finest Blues venue in the Midlands - a perfect combination
Hello Sean. Great gig last night in Guisborough! Sounded great, really enjoyed it! Have a few days off now and get yourself some rest mate! Take care. Jez.
Hi There! Thanks for the online friendship & support.
We are proud to announce that we are HEADLINING the Cream Insturment Cable Stage at the Lesser Muni as part of the 2009 Great British R&B Festival in Colne, Lancashire, UK on Monday August 31st. The Charlie White Project and Sheffield’s blues poet Mr Billy Martin Jnr are also appearing. Expect great music and utterly immaculate sound quality using cutting edge PA cables and power amps. Ticket details are available at www.bluesfestival.co.uk. Doors open at 7.30pm and we will be onstage at 10.15pm.
Our new album “A Time and Place” is available directly from www.robinhoare.com via Pay Pal and from good record stores.
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