BBE have been a reliable and inspirational source of music for longer than I care to remember. It's great to see the label still going strong, not just releasing new music across a broad range of genres but also continuing their reissue program, giving some wonderful, often forgotten music a second wind, and giving mere mortals access to some seriously rare, expensive music.
Their latest reissue is this stylistically meandering guitar led gem from two brothers, Will and James Ragar. Unearthed by Paul Hillery, the label's current folk consultant and roots music sage, it's the second album from the pair to be reincarnated by the label. It's a more folkcentric offering than their previously more swinging and jazz influenced LP. It also contains newer recordings, written between the late seventies and mid-nineties, but not actually recorded until 2016.
The blueprint isn't far off though; the brothers were obviously restless music souls and constantly keen to join the dots between Americana, jazz, the softer side of AOR, blues and good natured singer songwriting - very much inspired by the counter cultural greats further West, who they can undoubtedly be favourably compared with.
This is timeless music that is ageing like a fine wine, so say hello to these talented, somewhat unsung brothers, and make sure you check out One as well.
Playlist Companion
Find a track from the LP and other great folk and roots music in the Slow Folk Playlist.
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