Martin Harley - Roll With The Punches

Size: 82,1 MB
Time: 34:46
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Roll With The Punches (3:12)
02. Marguerite (3:51)
03. Hotel Lonely (2:33)
04. Brother (3:29)
05. If Tears Were Pennies (3:35)
06. I'd Rather Be Lucky Than Rich (3:51)
07. Clarbeston Resonation (3:57)
08. Shanghai (3:33)
09. Putting Down Roots (2:54)
10. The Time Is Now (3:46)

Accompanied by drummer Harry Harding, bassist Rex Horan, and Johnny Henderson on the organ, Martin Harley is back with his newest album, Roll With The Punches. The British guitarist and songwriter recorded this album from a chapel in the woods of Pembrokeshire. With more electronic and rock aspects, the album is an exciting listen that keeps listeners on their toes.

Roll With The Punches opens with a title track that features a classic blues rhythm and falling melody. Harley’s gospel-like vocal line is backed by satisfying drums that pick up to the end, preparing listeners for a dynamic album. The third song on the record, “Hotel Lonely,” is a perfect example of Harley’s dynamism. The song’s grunge-style guitar works nicely with a rock drumline that suddenly begins to build alongside Harley’s vocals towards the end of the song. The comedown of the song, “Brother”, shows listeners a gentler side to Harley’s songwriting. With soulful, warm vocals and comforting lyrics, “Brother” features dashes of electric guitar, a nice contrast to the softer nature of the song.

While all the songs on Roll With The Punches showed off Harley’s talents as a songwriter and musician, the most exciting song on the record has to be “Putting Down Roots”. The strumming pattern featuring strumming was a unique touch that set the song apart from many other contemporary blues rock artists. Combined with Harley’s catchy vocal hook, “Putting Down Roots” is an ear worm that you can’t help but listen to over and over again.

Roll With The Punches is an engaging new release for blues rock fans to check out. The album’s unique style and engaging melodies contribute to its Americana country feel. The Review: 8/10 ~Sabrina Tian

Roll With The Punches

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Martin Harley & Daniel Kimbro - Live At Southern Ground

Size: 116,2 MB
Time: 50:14
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Acoustic Blues, Americana
Art: Front

01. Cardboard King ( 3:59)
02. Winter Coat ( 4:45)
03. Goodnight Irene ( 3:57)
04. Can't Help Moving ( 5:02)
05. Honey Bee ( 2:15)
06. Chocolate Jesus ( 4:34)
07. Automatic Life ( 3:47)
08. Money Don't Matter ( 4:28)
09. Nobody's Fault But Mine ( 4:24)
10. Love In The Afternoon (Bonus Track) (13:00)

British born blues and Americana artist Martin Harley is no newcomer to the world of music, having five full albums under his belt. The Guildford native has spent years touring the world and playing alongside a number of well-regarded acts of his genre. His material has also won plenty of praise from media outlets on both sides of the Atlantic.

Recently, he returned to the studio with fellow musician Daniel Kimbro to record a new compilation called Live at Southern Ground. The ten track undertaking begins with the orchestral introduction of “Cardboard King”, before transitioning into a soft showcase of acoustic instrumentation. A warm harmony soon sets in and proceeds at a placid pace, forging a pleasant blues ballad. “Winter Coat” follows via a characterful riff that paves the way to an expressive melody. Strolling serenely forward, it remains relaxed yet resolute from opening to close.

“Goodnight Irene” establishes a laid-back ambience ahead of lackadaisical vocals that take their time developing. It manages to convey an admirable amount of fervour and feeling, despite its unobtrusive attitude. “Can’t Help Moving” is another subdued serenade next, bearing a stronger roots flavour than its predecessors. Its style is simultaneously sombre and stirring, due to the vigour of its vocals.

“Honey Bee” is a more enthusiastic effort which runs through energetic instrumentation and a quirky melody. “Chocolate Jesus” tones back slightly afterwards, while maintaining an eager atmosphere. The guitars are consistently cutting as the vocals exude stacks of spirit. A wild and raucous display of acoustic riffs in the middle is particularly enthralling. “Automatic Life” takes over via a busy beat when it’s done. The instrumentation keeps keen as it resounds across a heartfelt harmony. The result is a solemn but thrilling tune with plenty of passion.

The arresting riff of “Money Don’t Matter” persists into a vivacious verse that trots along excitedly, building a rapid rhythm that’s quite captivating. “Nobody’s Fault but Mine” is a fast and feisty entry in its wake, brimming with personality. This eventually gives way to the playful guitar and hyper harmony of “Love in the Afternoon”. Skipping speedily to a lively climax, complete silence ensues for several minutes until a melancholy melody arrives to guide things to a forlorn finish.

Harley and Kimbro have created a stripped down assemblage of innocuous anthems that dance delicately around the genres of blues, country, folk and Americana. Its simple style and meditative mood rest easy on the ears, making for a light listen. ~By Dave Simpson

Live At Southern Ground

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Martin Harley - Mojo Fix

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:09
Size: 78.2 MB
Styles: Delta blues
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[3:02] 1. Mojo Fix
[3:21] 2. Outlaw
[3:28] 3. Cardboard King
[4:27] 4. Ball & Chain
[3:30] 5. Treading Water
[3:14] 6. Wrecking Ball
[3:48] 7. Tightrope
[3:26] 8. Rum Shack
[2:49] 9. Working For The Men
[2:59] 10. Mean Old City

Martin Harley returns with his unique and inimitable "delta blues" influenced songs featuring his masterful slide guitar work on the Weissenborn with 10 new songs recorded in Texas during his latest creative sabbatical!

Martin Harley is a phenomenally talented guitarist, singer and songwriter he fronts the highly praised UK-based acoustic trio; The Martin Harley Band. Martin’s new album MOJO FIX was recorded in Texas and is released in the UK in February 2013. Mojo Fix comes on the heels of four critically celebrated albums, years of touring and countless festivals that have built Martin a strong and solid fan-base spanning the globe. Martin is a deeply important and respected voice in the evolution of popular blues and folk oriented guitar and vocals. He is now expanding on his international success with recent time spent in the US recording and touring. A life long devotee of acoustic guitar music, especially the ageless blues/roots sounds, Martin has travelled the globe absorbing a plethora of diverse influences and honing his craft into the classic song-writing style he possesses today. Renowned for his prowess as a slide guitarist, he is almost unique in the UK in his playing lap slide. In other areas and styles, however, he has proved himself a master guitarist and a consistently astounding songwriter.

Mojo Fix mc
Mojo Fix zippy

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