Canadian singer/songwriter Justin Rutledge returns to The Grapes on Monday December 8th following 2 breathtaking performances here in 2007. Justin will be in the UK to support the release of his third album on Six Shooter Records, 'Man Descending', which more than lives up to the exceptional quality of it's critically acclaimed predecessors. Support will come from the equally wonderful Neil McSweeney in a reprising of the fantastic double bill we had back in March 2007. Advance tickets priced at £5 are available from Jacks Records and
http://www.seetickets.com The price on the doors will be £7 and they open at 8pm.
http://www.seetickets.com/see/price.asp?code=356106
***JUSTIN RUTLEDGE***
Continuing on his quest to infuse country music with his love for the literary world, Justin Rutledge returns with his third album, Man Descending; a collection of songs that focus on the quieter, darker spaces in between our everyday lives.
Inspired by the 1982 book by Guy Vanderhaeghe, Man Descending follows ten characters down certain half-deserted avenues of their lives where they encounter alternate sides of themselves of which they are relatively unfamiliar.
The Toronto native learnt to play guitar from watching his Father strum along to Gram Parsons records, that he's often drawn favourable comparisons with Parsons is no coincidence.
2004 debut 'No Never Alone' crafted beautiful tales of world wearyness and heartbreak that belied Rutledge's tender years (he was 26 when the album was recorded). 2007 follow up 'The Devil On A Bench In Stanley Park' led to a prestigious Juno nomination and saw Rutledge named as Toronto songwriter of the year by the City's NOW Magazine.
'Man Descending' is proving to be a hit with fans and critics alike and should serve to cement his reputation as one of the shining lights of the North Americana alt-country scene.
Previous visits to the UK have seen Justin perform live for BBC Radio 2's Bob Harris, and also a memorable night at The Grapes last October as part of the Six Shooter Records Triple Barrel Tour where he appeared alongside Luke Doucet and NQ Arbuckle.
"A special album from a special talent" Man Descending, 8/10, Americana-uk.com
"one of the greatest writers working today" Maverick Magazine
"There was only one Gram Parsons. And there's only one Justin Rutledge." Independent on Sunday
"It seems inevitable that sooner or later, Justin Rutledge will join the upper ranks of the alt-country pantheon. Whether it happens with his current album, or it takes a while longer, his destiny is to stand alongside Lucinda, Emmylou, Willie and Steve Earle as one of the great, down-to-earth, country-based singer/songwriters of his day." EYE Magazine
http://www.myspace.com/justinrutledge
http://www.justinrutledge.com
***NEIL McSWEENEY***
Neil McSweeney is a songwriter from Sheffield who performs his material on his own or sometimes with five-piece band.
Last December saw the release of digital only single 'A Rope To Hang' on the KIDS label, following on from the debut single 'Postcards', also released through KIDS in the summer of 2007. The powerful 'Postcards' struck a nerve with all who came across it. Radio support from Zane Lowe (Radio 1) — including a prestigious 'Sunsetter' play — Huw Stephens (Radio 1), Jonathan Ross (Radio 2) and Mark Radcliffe (BBC 6Music) was bolstered further by a slot on the XFM Playlist. The track was supported heavily by respected indie stores across the land, particularly Piccadilly Records and Rough Trade, both of whom made it their single of the week.
'A Rope To Hang' is music at its most sparse, yet most affecting. Neil's huge voice — which has drawn favourable comparisons to Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley or a male Tracy Chapman — is supported solely by the most delicate of acoustic backing, showcasing its intensity and raw power to the full. The track brings to mind Jose Gonzales' 'Heartbeats' and Scott Matthews' 'Elusive' in both its haunting performance and sheer songwriting quality.
McSweeney started writing his Americana-tinged, folksy solo material while teaching English in Italy. Upon returning to his native Sheffield, he continued to write songs inspired by the likes of Low and Papa M, and his intense, brooding live performances lead to him being voted 'Sheffielder Most Likely To kill Himself' on one internet forum, and described as 'the most miserable man alive' on another.
A top class performer with songs to match, much is expected from the follow up to his wonderful debut album 'Remember To Smile', which is expected to be completed soon.
"Deeply felt, brooding songs rich in imagery…he has the tools to make a real impact" – The Guardian
http://www.myspace.com/neilmcsweeney
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