Reviews
Artist:Luke Concannon Album: Ecstatic Bird In The Burning
Label: The Movement
Tracks: 10
Website: https://lukeconcannon.com/
"Are you ready to sing?"
"Absolument!"
"Are you ready to swing?"
"Absolument!!"
This clarion call and response welcomes us to Luke Concannon's long-awaited return. It kicks off the Luke's second solo album, fusing swing, hip-hop and creole jazz rhythms, turning 'Absolument' into an infectious and uplifting anthem, an ideal antidote to the darkness and isolaton and bathing us in the warm glow of brightness and hope. It is an inspiring start to what turns out to be an album filled with honesty and humanity.
Many remember Concannon from Nizlopi, the folk duo from Leamington Spa which also featured John Parker, on double bass. Formed in 2003, and taking their name from a Hungarian girl upon whom Concannon had developed an adolescant crush, Nizlopi nurtured and maintained a loyal fanbase which included a certain Ed Sheeran (he opened for them at Norwich Arts Centre in 2008, and also acted as Concannon's guitar technician). Nizlopi released two albums before splitting in 2010. However, the pair continued to tour sporadically, continuing to delight audiences for another ten years. However, it was their song about a young boy getting a ride home on his dad's digger that really caught the public's imagination. Based on a true story from Concannon's childhood, 'JCB Song' topped the UK singles chart in December 2005, and was also a contender for the coveted Christmas Number One.
After a period of travelling and self-examination, Luke met classical singer Stephanie Hollenberg, followed her back to New England, and the pair married in 2018. They now reside on Abenaki land in Vermont, and perhaps it is this new-found stability that allowed Ecstatic Bird In The Burning to follow its diametric journey through past, present and future, intertwining its rhythms, melodies and sensitive, searching lyrics into braids of alternating lightness and dark.
Recorded at the Vermont farm of renowned singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, produced by Nashville's James Prendegast, and accompanied by a talented band of musicians and singers, the ten tracks that make up Ecstatic Bird are still undeniably pure Concannon. Whether it be the slow romantic declaration of 'Your Heart Is In My Chest', or the politically-charged wake-up call of 'Join The Liberation', Luke still wears his heart firmly on his sleeve as he navigates a gamut of emotions laid bare. But also now present is a maturity and wisdom that shines brightly, and even allows time to look back and regret. 'Denial' is an unaccompanied lament, seeking forgiveness for misplaced and wasted youth, but asking for strength to achieve future fulfillment in life.
'Hummingbird' is a folk-infused ode to nature that recalls Cat Stevens' pastoral masterpieces of the early 70's. 'Coventry' recalls the wartime destruction of 1940, but is also a frustrated critique of the rampant selfishness prevelant in today's society. 'Doing Nothing At All' may initially appear frivolous and carefree, but it delves into the melancholy and anguish of lost confidence, even referencing his time with Sheeran - "...thinking I inspired him, easier than taking the risk of being as bold as him"
There is not one misplaced song on this album. Even when darkness looms, Concannon's zest for life remains indefatigable, and hope emerges triumphant. You will be hard pressed to find another collection that leaves you feeling as optimistic, positive and uplifted. And we could all do with a piece of that at the moment.
David Auckland
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Absolument
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