Just What I Know

1.
2.
3.
4.
Red Fence. 03:41
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Hiver Dur. 04:02
10.
11.

Well here it is, my third solo album, recorded here at home in rural Morbihan Southern Brittany France.

The Title:
A few years ago I had the good fortune to open a UK show for North Carolina singer songwriter Malcolm Holcombe. A brilliant songwriter, performer and generous human being, Malcolm congratulated me on my set. I was self – effacing – he slapped my shoulder and said “whatever it is you know, play the hell out of it” I liked that and it has stayed with me. I also vaguely recall a recording of Rev Gary Davis saying “play just what you know – play just what you know”. It’s all you can do, so I do!

I recorded a group of songs in the barn here at Préméhan, late December 2017 as part of a process of selection and arrangement. I took the recordings to Pascal Ferarri. He thought the recording could be improved. I spent time in his studio at Martigné Ferchaud. I enjoyed the process, his company, hospitality etc but found that something was lost in terms of my performance. Therefore ultimately we decided Pascal should mix & master my original recordings.

So! here you are – eleven songs, five originals – a combination of my influences, my personality and “Just What I Know”

I hope you enjoy!

 

“There is something really special about Cowley’s guitar playing and ability to turn dour subjects into something quite beautiful, while still being a contemporary collection of songs.”
Rocking Magpie

“If you like your blues acoustic and played with skill, feeling and obvious respect and love for the country blues, then, go get yourself a copy of Paul Cowley’s album. It is terrific.”
Down At The Crossroads

“blues-soaked guitar and vocal work with a sophisticated urban lyricism, informed by country blues but not dictated by a need to imitate it.”
Folking.com

“A superb album”
Zicazic.com

“Great, that is. Gritty, man. An untapped organic side of artisan, rural Brittany, with faint echoes of Sutton Coldfield Delta, but stretching much further back. I can hear Kelly Joe Phelps in there – no mean feat – and the distant, rattling bones of the architects of the blues. Elemental Stuff.”
SB former Arts Correspondent. Sutton Coldfield News