Album Of The Month - March 2017
Tracey Browne & Raevennan Husbandes - 'East By North West'
Tracey Browne and Raevennan Husbandes are two independent singer songwriters who met at a musical residency with The Unthanks at Manchester’s Band On The Wall in February 2012. Immediately forging a strong creative and musical connection they started out on a songwriting collaboration.
The writing of songs for their debut album ‘East By North West’ started in August 2013. Shortly afterwards I saw the duo supporting Paul Liddell at the launch of his ‘The Ends Of The Earth’ single in Sunderland on 21st September 2013. Playing a selection of their solo material and early versions of songs that would eventually find a place on the debut album, the duo’s performance was absolutely spellbinding and provided a hint that something very special was developing with this musical partnership.
Writing and recording of songs continued over a series of weekends throughout the rest of 2013. A tantalising glimpse of the potential for the debut album was delivered in February 2014 with the release of a single ‘Coming Home’ (a different version to one released on album). More intensive periods of writing and recording continued with all of the songs for the album being completed by the end of September 2014.
A Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the debut album to be pressed to CD and 12” vinyl ran from 16th October to 5th November 2014. A total of just over £3,000 was successfully raised against a target of £2,500.
‘East By North West’ was released on 21st December 2014 and the nine track album is a triumphant achievement showcasing the talents of Tracey and Raevennan. All of the songs were written and produced by the pair (except for ‘On Raglan Road’ which is based on a poem by Patrick Kavanagh). Lead vocals are shared across the tracks as are guitar and other instrumental duties. There are also some notable guest performances on the album including Mike McGoldrick (flute on ‘Coming Home’), Belinda O'Hooley (accordion on ‘I’m Gonna Get Myself In Trouble’) and Katie Ware aka Little Sparrow (guest vocals on ‘As Good As News’).
The album has a wonderful tempo, flow and symmetry on the journey from opening track ‘Coming Home’ all the way through to closing track ‘On Raglan Road’. Musical highlights are in abundance throughout the debut release. Excellent production, beautiful vocals and harmonies, and rich lyrical content make each listen a rewarding experience with subtle nuances waiting to be discovered.
‘East By North West’ is quite simply a masterpiece that deserves to be heard by a wide audience!
The writing of songs for their debut album ‘East By North West’ started in August 2013. Shortly afterwards I saw the duo supporting Paul Liddell at the launch of his ‘The Ends Of The Earth’ single in Sunderland on 21st September 2013. Playing a selection of their solo material and early versions of songs that would eventually find a place on the debut album, the duo’s performance was absolutely spellbinding and provided a hint that something very special was developing with this musical partnership.
Writing and recording of songs continued over a series of weekends throughout the rest of 2013. A tantalising glimpse of the potential for the debut album was delivered in February 2014 with the release of a single ‘Coming Home’ (a different version to one released on album). More intensive periods of writing and recording continued with all of the songs for the album being completed by the end of September 2014.
A Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the debut album to be pressed to CD and 12” vinyl ran from 16th October to 5th November 2014. A total of just over £3,000 was successfully raised against a target of £2,500.
‘East By North West’ was released on 21st December 2014 and the nine track album is a triumphant achievement showcasing the talents of Tracey and Raevennan. All of the songs were written and produced by the pair (except for ‘On Raglan Road’ which is based on a poem by Patrick Kavanagh). Lead vocals are shared across the tracks as are guitar and other instrumental duties. There are also some notable guest performances on the album including Mike McGoldrick (flute on ‘Coming Home’), Belinda O'Hooley (accordion on ‘I’m Gonna Get Myself In Trouble’) and Katie Ware aka Little Sparrow (guest vocals on ‘As Good As News’).
The album has a wonderful tempo, flow and symmetry on the journey from opening track ‘Coming Home’ all the way through to closing track ‘On Raglan Road’. Musical highlights are in abundance throughout the debut release. Excellent production, beautiful vocals and harmonies, and rich lyrical content make each listen a rewarding experience with subtle nuances waiting to be discovered.
‘East By North West’ is quite simply a masterpiece that deserves to be heard by a wide audience!