EWAN McLENNAN
Rags & Robes
Fellside 235
* * * *
This review originally ran in SingOut! Magazine issue 54:4
“Emerging artist” is an overused phrase, but I’m happy to
make an exception for the stunning debut release of Ewan McLennan. With songs
such as “Arthur McBride,” “A Man’s a Man,” and “I’m a Rover,” the
Edinburgh-raised McLennan covers familiar ground, but he does so with a gentleness
and a freshness of voice that makes the old new. It’s a quiet album reminiscent
of Andy M. Stewart’s post-Silly Wizard solo work in mood. And, like Stewart,
McLennan’s tenor voice is unique. It has the timbre of a contemporary such as
Paul McKenna, but with more vibrato and with a hint of a rasp. If that sounds
gritty, the effect is quite the opposite; McLennan keeps all the ornaments
under control and croons with a soothing smoothness. Thus he transforms the
feel of a rough roustabout song such as “Tramps and Hawkers” into something
that sounds like carefree lads at sport. Equally affecting his velvet-gloved
version of “Jack Stewart,” which emerges as less of a drinking song than
fellowship with an elderly friend. Each of the fourteen tracks pleases, and
each leaves you wanting to hear what McLennan will do next.
Rob Weir
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