Butler, Blake and Grant - FRETS 25 and the album

Douglas McIntyre brought Bernard Butler, Norman Blake and James Grant together to play one of his FRETS nights at Saint Luke's back in January 2022 (blog here). The trio took turns to tell the story behind one of their songs and then play it. There was humour and warmth throughout the show and enough chemistry for them to regroup to play FRETS in its hometown of Strathaven and subsequently take the show on the road.

This eventually led to Butler, Blake and Grant convening at Norman's house with their acoustic guitars, a roaring fire and some wine to write and record some songs together. Sounds blissful!

So, given the history, it was only right for the trio to return to FRETS for a weekend of shows ahead of the launch of their debut album. 

My friend Lorna picked me up and we then made the mistake of following her sat nav, which took us the craziest route possible to Strathaven! Despite arriving 10-15 minutes late for support act Jo Mango, we somehow managed to nab front row seats as a couple of people hadn't turned up. BONUS!

Watching BBG at close quarters led me to;

• Appreciate what a fantastic guitar player James Grant is. Inventive and effortless! 
• Marvel at how Bernard Butler srocks double denim and a sensational fringe. 
• Crave for a guitar as beautiful as Bernard's! 
• Smile at Norman's DIY buzzcut from the previous evening. Missed a bit at the back Norman! 
• Continue to be amazed by Norman's exceptional voice and ability to harmonise.
• Think that James and Bernard's pre-album singles had a little more zip to them live.
• Come up with the idea that BBG should record a covers album. Maybe tackle 2 of their own back catalogue each plus 4 covers - including The Monkees Me and Magdelena and Neil Young's Cinnamon Girl. This should DEFINITELY include Bernard's Yes.
• Laugh at the dry, witty humour of Grant and the off the wall (slightly surreal humour) of Norman. And wondering how Butler gets a word in!

On to the album. Given the tales behind the songs, it would appear to be a mix of songs that the trip have had kicking around for a while, new songs and Rosus Posus an improvised instrumental that BBG walked onstage to. James and Norman joked that it was PROG!

There is a lovely warmth to Down By The Sea, a song Norman said he had written a while ago. Blake sounds like he is with you, the home recording works really well on this song

I hope you'll always think of me

If I take a walk down by

The warmth also comes out on The Old Mortality, sung by Bernard, his rich soulful voice is enhanced by strings. There is a great breakdown instrumental where the strings soar and Blake ooh's beautifully.

Across the album. there are beautifully crafted tunes, natural camaraderie, exquisite harmonies, brilliant guitar playing and the trio work well together. Surely there will be more.

Bring An End (Blake) / One And One Is Two (Grant) / The 90's (Butler) / Down By The Sea (Blake) / The Old Mortality (Butler) / Girl With The Little Black Number (Grant) / Writing's On the Wall (Blake) / Rosus Posus (instrumental) / Seemed She Always Knew (Grant) / There's Always Something You Can Change (Butler)