Ian Roland
How The Dust Jumps
self-release
Warm and Tender Folk Music To Make Your Heart Sing.
As regular readers will be aware I’m not normally a lover of British Folk Music; so approached this album from Ian Roland; with caution.
The rolling guitar that opens first song Outside, piqued my interest and when Ian’s soft voice made its entrance, I was quickly at ease.
A similar finger-picking style encompasses the rather beautiful Say Your Name; and it was on hearing this song for the third or fourth time that made the exclamation mark appear in my head. Although sounding nothing him like them; Ian Roland sits comfortably in that Ralph McTell/Cat Stevens mould from the early 1970’s.
There’s even a slight Folk-Rock feel to the snappy and toe-tapping Passing Through and Together; but it’s the reflective love songs Heal My Heart and Push The Doors that I will return to in years to come.
If there’s any justice, the title track How The Dust Jumps should receive radio plays across the UK; and not just in Roland’s local area. As Folk songs go the jaunty beat, hummable melody and fascinating lyrics deserve a much wider audience.
This album is as far away from finger-in the ear Folk n shanty’s as you can imagine; bordering on easy-listening but with added vim and vigour. If I hear many more Folk albums like this; I could become a convert to the cause.
Released April 2015
The Rocking Magpie 