This is the second solo release by Adam Norsworthy, who is also the lead-singer for The Mustangs, a band from the Blues Matters stable who are starting to make a real name for themselves across the UK.
Combining blues, folk and pop, his solo work showcases a softer, more reflective side, and Memory Vine is a nice collection of ten self-penned tracks, inspired by musicians as diverse as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Van Morrison and early Rod Stewart.
The CD opens with the wonderful head-nodding track "You're My Song", which is an acoustic-rock ballad, followed by standout-track "Tip Toe". The approach is light and swinging and Adam's vocals fully capture the trepidation and hesitation experienced by two people in love.
"Let Your Red Hair Fall" is another favourite of mine, mainly because of the effective way the instruments mimic the emotions expressed in the song's lyrics. Adam's plaintive plucking of the acoustic-guitar slowly builds into a crescendo of sound which is then punctuated by the 'boom boom' of the timpani drum. All of this sounds like a storm breaking, mirroring the storm of emotions contained in the song's lyrics.
Thereafter we are treated to a full-bodied, mellow collection of songs that flow into each other effortlessly, including the gorgeous, melodic tracks, "Drop in the Ocean", "You're Gone", "Telephone Silence" and "Time I Said Goodbye". What these tracks have in common is the integrity and intent of Adam's vocals, together with the accomplished musical arrangements, playing, song writing and production – all undertaken by Adam.
We can all identify with the main theme of this album, which is love, and the myriad of pleasure and painful emotions contained within it, which makes this album a pure sensory experience.
Memory Vine is the kind of album that will sit comfortably alongside records by the more established musicians that have inspired it. Each of the ten tracks has a true and solid craftsmanship, therefore it is hard to single out a track that I didn't truly like. As such, it is a worthy addition to your music catalogue and is definitely worth a listen – particularly for those of you who appreciate well-crafted melodic blues and folk songs.
"A masterclass in songwriting craftsmanship"
"Adam Norsworthy is a great talent, well worth checking out"
"Let It Roll perfectly showcases the Mustang’s ear for a good hook and blistering musicianship"
"The Mustangs press all the right buttons…and have quality songs in abundance. Traditional hi-octane blues with a modern twist."
"Those that like to dance will be well pleased with the Mustangs, those that like to sit and listen will enjoy, in fact this band have something for everyone no matter how you like your Blues. Glorious!"
"Performing a selection of blues tunes it’s easy to see why they were voted best band of the year in respected music magazine GigBase.Frontman Adam Norsworthy draws his charismatic voice from some dark corner of his soul, and presumably rips his dynamic guitar mayhem from the same scary place"
"The Mustangs stand out. It is obvious these guys have their own agenda"
"Good music, a tight band, a real desire to please the audience and a fabulous frontman! There are very few frontmen around who can combine a great voice and guitar-playing with a high energy stage performance, natural charisma and good looks!"
"Ass-kicking"
"Entertainment, quality of musicianship and songwriting craft - The Mustangs are a band that can get a crowd up on their feet or enthrall a sitting audience and that is a great combination to have in your musical armoury".
"The tightest blues band in the UK"
"One of the most exciting blues bands in the UK today"
"The Mustangs are the top south coast blues band"
"The Mustangs have a growing reputation – time to investigate"
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