Album Of The Week: The Wynntown Marshals ‘Big Ideas’
Written by celtic music radio on October 1, 2022
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Hailed as the best Americana band in Europe, The Wynntown Marshals show they clearly deserve the accolade given the quality of their fourth album, Big Ideas.
Work on the 10-track gem got underway back in 2018 and they have skilfully overcome line-up changes and pandemic restrictions to create what the Scottish band reckon is their strongest collection of songs.
The reviews have been hugely praiseworthy with one critic writing:
“There’s a joy in hearing a band at the height of their creative powers and The Wynntown Marshals have returned with an album full of superb songs that connect with you on every level.”
It’s a stirring yet sensitive album that looks at loss and love but there’s a glowing nostalgic feel to it as well to give it a warming tone alongside the superb musicianship.
The current line-up is Keith Benzie, lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitar;
David McKee, bass guitar and vocals; Brendan O’Brien, drums and percussion; Ali Petrie, Hammond organ, piano, fender Rhodes and mellotron; Iain Sloan, electric and acoustic guitars, pedal steel guitar, vocals – and a glockenspiel at one point. Keith wrote all the lyrics.
The Marshals have been a mainstay on the music scene for 15 years and it’s sterling contributions like this that will, rightfully, help maintain their excellent position in it.
• The Album of the Week Show, Saturday, October 1, 2022 at midday – The Wynntown Marshals’ Keith Benzie in conversation with Mike Ritchie.