Bobby Long is a young folk/country singer traveling in the acoustic world. He is trying his stuff out on U.S. audiences this summer, making his way from New York through Texas and on to several west coast gigs. He then comes on around in September to finish things up in New York City before returning to London and the U.K.
This is not complex music. “Who Have You Been Lovin’” is simply voice and acoustic guitar. The vocal is physically strong. Long’s voice is a bit “raspy,” a fact that won’t hurt him a bit. In fact, it adds to the feel. He gets some musical assistance from Ed Chisholm and Alex Starling.
“Penance Fire Blues” brings to mind some of the passionate folk/alternative work presented in coffeehouses during the 1950s and 1960s. Long’s guitar work is fine, a rolling finger-picking style that almost stands on its own. “Two Years Old” is in much the same vein as the previous blues tune. There is passion in this man’s singing and there are stories in his lyrics. Time will tell if those lyrics will stand on their own as poetry, as do the words of the great folk and country singers.
This listener wanted to hear “The Bounty of Mary Jane” just because of the title. However, the guitar style and vocal work keep the listener focused. “Dead and Done” aint’ no slouch either. This is strong stuff. We’ll try to catch him live on the way by.
Tags: indie music, indie, bobby long, music, independent music
