In 2020, in his review of Rory Butler‘s debut album Window Shopping (Vertical Records), Mike Davies opened his review by describing Butler as “A rising new star in the Scottish folk firmament”. A suggestion that was already underpinned by prestigious support slots for the likes of Richard Thompson, Paul Weller and John Paul White. On that album, we first heard the pandemic-themed Lynda’s Café. An acoustic version of the song is being released as a single on Friday, 17th June, his fifth single to precede his new EP via Leafy Outlook in September.
The single is accompanied by a great live video, appropriately filmed at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh and directed by Sandy Butler. It was recorded as part of a ‘Lock Down’ session, and it features three of Rory’s closest friends as a vocal choir. The stripped-back setting and choice of vocalists work an intimate magic around this song in which Butler’s vocals are mesmerising and tender throughout.
The Traverse Theatre describes itself as a “champion of stories and storytellers”. They say that a gifted storyteller can bridge the gap between “you” and “me”; they make their audience feel at one with them. Butler certainly knows how to forge such a connection, as he so ably demonstrates here.
He tells us:
“This recording of Lynda’s cafe is my favourite. The backing singers are three of my oldest friends…I actually grew up next door to Sally and William, who are brother and sister. It was filmed by my own brother Sandy and Adam Bully, who I toured in a band with for years. Filmed at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, a place I have seen shows since primary school. Doesn’t get much more home grown than that! I have such a great gang.”
September 2022 sees Rory release this full EP in support of which he will play three intimate Shows.
St Pancras Old Church. London. UK – September 14th 2022
Gullivers. Manchester UK – September 15th 2022
The Voodoo Rooms. Edinburgh UK – September 22nd 2022
More on Rory Butler: https://www.rorybutler.co.uk/