Behind Every Word Steve Lawson

Not Just A Pretty Bass

Behind Every Word
Steve Lawson

Pillow Mountain Records
out now

Another stylish release from bassist Steve Lawson. An engaging melodic improviser, Lawson’s albums are not the densely dextrous affairs you might suppose them to be.

Whilst there’s plenty of nimble fingerwork to keep the bass playing community asking “how did he do that?” the rest of us can simply enjoy his good ear for melody and highly accessible, dare I say it, catchy tunes that you can tap your toe to.

Lawson really shines as a sensitive accompanist and collaborator, as his album with Theo Travis, For The Love Of Open Spaces, ably proved. Behind Every Word also benefits from the introduction of guest artists. On the elegiac tribute "Scot Peck" BJ Cole's pedal steel guitar slide provides some beautifully translucent embellishments.

However, it's "One Step" that provides this album’s quiet triumph thanks to guest vocalist Julie McKee’s languorous murmurings. The warmth of her slow-burn jazzy voice affords a warming contrast to the chilled atmospheres and loops emanating from Lawson's array of devices and pedals.

Throughout its 15 minutes, sensuous melodies intertwine and fall away with the intimacy of Talk Talk’s Spirit of Eden and the cinematic production values of Brian Eno - a win-win situation if ever there was. The result is a musical marriage that both should be encouraged to explore in greater depth.

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