Review by Chris Lambie.
Andy Baylor & The Banksia Band – In Another Life (Independent)
Andy Baylor’s back catalogue showcases his range of influences and expertise across a broad range of roots genres. Latest album In Another Life brings the story together in a warm, witty and poignant collection. Also a visual artist, he depicts imagery with a deft touch. Details of city, small towns and bushland resound in the music – vivid and visceral.
On guitars, vocals, piano and his signature fiddle playing, Baylor offers 12 original tunes referencing a global feast of styles. Opening folk ode ‘Tall Toolangi Trees’ honours an ancient natural landscape threatened by ill-considered logging. ‘Wiradjuri’ is an instrumental love song to the Country he now lives on. On the acoustic ‘Hippy At Heart’ he traces the roots of his peace-loving ‘greenie’ leanings in Loudon Wainwright III narrative style. The nostalgic air continues with ‘All The Good Songs’ and its singalong chorus.
A version of ‘Play On’ was previously recorded with Mick Thomas and featured on album Buckley’s Chance’. Baylor continues to refine and reshape the song written to acknowledge the bold resilience of artists. ‘Sweet Rockin’ Music’ shows us why it is so. The song-writer of many moods dons a bossa nova hat for the title track. The Brazilian vibe continues (via country Victoria) with ‘Chorando De Murtoa’. ‘French Island (Bellarmarin) Five Note Tune’ is a romantic instrumental conjuring pictures of wistful seafarers before some step-dancing shenanigans launch.
The album was recorded at various locations including Melbourne’s Lomond Hotel with Denis Close (also on percussion) at the helm on production and engineering. Elspeth Close (accordion), The Belgrave Brass Band and Lomond Singers bring added colour. Fiddles (Baylor’s plus guests Sophie Dunn and Kate Connor) saw and sway, driving Cajun, Creole, Latino and Celtic sounds. Standing alone on final track ‘Kate’s Aire and Gigue’, the instrument tugs at heartstrings you never knew you had.