John Hinshelwood

Description

‘Called Back’ is the sixth solo release from Scottish singer/songwriter JOHN HINSHELWOOD, and it is a departure from previous records both stylistically and with regard to personnel.

Although John has composed the music, the words are by 19th century American poet EMILY DICKINSON, and the main aim was to try to match the poems to a variety of American musical styles ranging from old time and bluegrass, through to jazz and soul, with detours via folk, Celtic and Americana. The title of the CD (and of the closing track) is the inscription on Dickinson’s gravestone, and the words of her final letter to her cousins shortly before her death in 1886.

Featured musicians include members of John’s band TIM BLACK (guitar), ED MCGLONE (bass), and FRANK MCHUGH (drums), veteran LA session percussionist STEVE FORMAN, critically acclaimed singer/songwriters BARBARA NESBITT, from Austin, and West Highlands based MAIRI ORR, as well as previous contributors DAVE CURRIE (dobro), multi-instrumentalist COLIN MACFARLANE, and singer/songwriter CATHRYN CRAIG, recently relocated from Nashville to Ireland.

The album also benefits greatly from an infusion of some exciting young musicians based in Glasgow. From the folk scene there are contributions from two multi award winners, Australian born fiddler JERI FOREMAN and mandolinist LAURA-BETH SALTER, and the world of Scottish jazz is represented by BBC Young Musician of the Year DAVID BOWDEN (double bass), tenor sax player JAMES STEELE a protégé of Tommy Smith, and trumpeter ALEX SHARPLES of critically acclaimed big band Fat-Suit.