James Grant

 

From Friends Again, through Love and Money and into his solo career I have always admired the voice, guitar playing and songwriting of James Grant

James Grant’s career began in the early eighties, when he formed Friends Again with Chris Thompson (The Bathers). They preferred Supertramp to The Velvet Underground and whats more, were not afraid to admit it.

Although short-lived, their influence was huge, helping to define the emerging sound of the Scottish bands that followed them.

 

“Lullaby No 2″ – Friends Again

It was in Love and Money that James Grant found more widespread recognition; four albums, working with legendary producers such as Gary Katz(Steely Dan) and Tom Dowd(Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin) several hit singles, a world-wide following and silver discs in the UK helped seal his reputation as one of the best songwriters in the country.

In 1996 he contributed four songs to the solo album of Capercaillie vocalist Karen Matheson, including the title track The Dreaming Sea. He has written extensively on all of Karens’ solo albums and continues to work in her band.
Working with musician and producer Donald Shaw and a stellar cast of players he delivered the stunning debut solo album Sawdust In My Veins, followed by the equally acclaimed follow-ups My Thrawn Glory, I Shot The Albatross and Holy Love.

Strange Flowers, his fifth album as a solo artist was released in March 2009.

 

“The Hallowing Touch” – James Grant

 

To buy the music of James Grant click HERE

 

Bonus Track:-

 

“I’ll Comb The Tangles From Your Hair” – James Grant

Mose Allison

I haven’t featured the great Mose Allison for a while, so here is a track which has been popping up on the old iPod frequently so who am I to ignore it.

“If You Live” – Mose Allison

If you live your time will come
I say if you live your time will come
So child don’t mess with that cotton sack
It will scratch your knees and bend your back
And if you live your time will come
If you live your day will come
If you live your day will come
So child don’t play with those pots an’ pans
The will soon enough ruin your pretty hands
And if you live your time will come
If you live a day will come
If you live a day will come
When the sun will shine
And the crops will grow
And you think you’re not gonna worry no more
But if you live, your time will come

“Creek Bank” was a 1994 compilation release of two 1958 sessions.

 

To buy the music of Mose Allison click HERE