Terry Hiscock – Falling More Slowly
Limefield Records – Out Now
Given the fact that Terry Hiscock is a founding member of the legendary Hunter Muskett, a group formed in 1969 whilst its members were studying at Avery Hill College, and one that is still going strong, it seems remarkable that it has taken 50 years for him to release his debut solo album. The conundrum here is that, on the one hand, whilst the sheer quality of the music on the album renders the wait eminently worthwhile, on the other, what a great shame that we have been deprived for so long.
There are a dozen immaculately performed songs on the album, addressing a variety of subjects from Robert Johnson, king of the Delta blues, through love, loss and friendship to the album’s title track which references the Shipping Forecast. Ten of the tracks are new Terry compositions, alongside two glorious covers, the first a tremendous version of the gospel call-and-response classic Jesus On The Mainline, the second a jaunty, ragtime interpretation of the humorous She Broke My Heart In Three Places.
The album, recorded, mixed and mastered at Limehouse Studios, Manchester, was produced by Terry and John Ellis and features vocals and acoustic guitar, with double bass, mandola, and electric slide arrangements, all performed by Terry, and it is a sonic delight in terms of its hi-fidelity. Utilising the device of playing short, mainly traditional, introductory instrumental pieces, which link in some way to the main song which follows, gives an added interest.
From the opening track, From Here To Rosedale, Terry’s paean to the much-troubled Robert Johnson, it is clear that the album oozes class, both melodically and lyrically. The combination of immaculate finger-picking style acoustic guitar alongside perfectly judged slide is the perfect accompaniment to lyrics such as
‘standing on some corner with the devil right behind
you cry for a nickel die for a dime’
Sensitivity, as expressed through the melancholic A Little Kindness Now, doesn’t come any more emotionally charged than here, and with Good Company, in which the lyrics may be a metaphor for a long-lost, (or found), song, it doesn’t take long for the listener to be enveloped in the unfolding story
‘but I know whenever you’re here with me
when I’m walking – I walk in good company’
The wonderfully lilting You Can’t Always Tell sees Terry putting new lyrics to the tune of a 1960’s protest song, whilst Dave’s Song is another very early Hunter Muskett song, hitherto unrecorded, brought to life here by the sumptuous voice of Gayna Taylor. By The Light is an upbeat, jaunty offering in what Terry describes as ‘a jaunty combination of Fats Waller and Leroy Carr’. The song once again features impressive finger-picking, this time accompanied by accomplished fiddle playing from another guest, Tom Leary.
The title track, Falling More Slowly, pays homage to the bravery of fisher-folk and is written from the perspective of a seafarer, and this nautical theme continues with Alabama ’64. Whilst referencing the same historical event, the sinking of the Confederate CSS Alabama in 1864, unlike the well-known Roll Alabama Roll, (Cyril Tawney, Bellowhead), which recounts the official story, here, Terry’s narrative focuses on romance and intrigue.
A visit to Alcatraz prison inspired One Of These Days, a song engendering a sense of optimism and hope, with smoky vocals delivered by Noel Gander, exemplifies, yet again the depth and quality of the writing – another gem.
‘one of these days i’ll stand on the outside
no more sorrow, no more shame’
The closing song, Where Are You Now (Sweet Marie) again references Alabama, but here the Alabama of the 1960s, with its Civil Rights, student and anti-Viet Nam War protests; the Dylan Blonde On Blonde LP cover behind the printed lyrics a clever touch. Nostalgia indeed for those of a certain age, for whom, as Terry says, there is ‘ always, always, someone remembered from those distant days‘
As a complete entity, the Falling More Slowly package is very impressive indeed. The accompanying booklet includes not only lyrics for each song but also excellent photographs each of which has a connection with some aspect of the album, be it geographical or otherwise.
Terry Hiscock has produced a truly captivating album.
Falling More Slowly is a masterclass in song-writing and performance from one of our most-under-rated singer/songwriters. Here’s hoping that we don’t have to wait another 50 years for his next solo release.
Order via: https://www.terryhiscock.com