2005 Archive
2005 Medford Tribune October 2005
2005 Tacoma Weekly Volcano – Aloha Folk Pop
Whisperinandhollerin.com – Review of Fringes of theWayside 2004
by Adam Harrington
Fringes of the Wayside
Label: LocoMotive Music
Fringes of the Wayside
Label: LocoMotive Music
Genre: Folk
Release Date: 2004
There’s a feeling one gets, especially if you were raised in the ’70s, when an old James Taylor song is played on the radio. Although completely unacceptable in the hip pockets of the globe, Taylor was a true craftsman and a virtually flawless storyteller. And if there’s an artist that singer/songwriter Stephen Inglis recalls, it’s none other than Mr. Taylor himself.
Inglis has crafted an album of laidback, comforting acoustic pop that soothes the temples, relaxes the heart, and makes you want to breathe in the spring air. In the rat race of modern society, that’s actually not an easy task, but Inglis’ pleasing vocals, clear lyrics, and skilled, dramatic guitar playing are soaked in good vibrations.
There’s a country flavor in Inglis’ folk preferences, especially noted in “Dusty Road” and the heartbreakingly pretty “Blues for Tonight.” More than that, there’s a cinematic quality to many of these tunes. The wind-swept “Stranded” and the image-evoking “Something About October” should be on movie soundtracks.
The record is spare in its instrumentation but filled to the rim with naked emotion. Whatever your taste in music, it’s hard not to be moved by such songs as “Mele for Makana” and “Swingset ‘Neath the Stars,” a loving recollection of childhood.
Reviewcentre.com – Review of Stephen Inglis’ Fringes of the Wayside
By Barry Andrews – From Manchester, England on 17th May 2005
Value for money: 10/10
Overall rating: 10/10
Recommended: Yes
Good Points:
A poet’s ear for narrative, hypnotic guitar plucking, emotionally stirring songs.
Bad Points:
General Comments:
When singer/songwriter Stephen Inglis (http://www.steveinglis.com) relates his stories, you are compelled to listen. Give credit to his delicate, heartwarming vocal delivery (if his vocals on “Mele for Makana” do not touch you, you must have the heart of an iceberg), but the masterful plucking of his guitar. “Fringes of the Wayside” presents some of the most hypnotic handling of the acoustic guitar you’ll hear this year; even without his thoughtful words his fingers express a myriad of emotions through their command of the strings.
Who is this man?
Inglis is an artist that should be on your Must Purchase Now list with this impeccable release. “Swingset ‘Neath the Stars” will bring back memories of innocent youthful days long gone by while “Cold City Rain” is made for London winter weather. I receive hundreds of CD’s throughout the year, but very few of them are perfect for cuddling with the wife. I have to thank Mr. Inglis for recording an album that my wife and I can appreciate together, absorbing its textures and tales told.
Ink 19 – Review of Fringes of theWayside 2004
by Kyrby Raine
Stephen Inglis
Fringes of the Wayside
LocoMotive Music
Familiarity with the singer/songwriter genre can be both pleasant and painful. On one hand, it’s hard to find something original, given the limitations of the solo-act style, especially when an acoustic guitar is being employed. However, when somebody arrives who is unique, it can be a celebratory occasion. This is one of those times. By mixing folk, country and blues, Stephen Inglis is expanding the boundaries – or at least the perceived restrictions – of the singer/songwriter genre. You can hear all three drifting in and out of his songs effortlessly, without calling attention to themselves. In fact, it’s frightening how easily he accomplishes the feat; you quickly realize that these styles belong together.
That Inglis is incorporating country into his acoustic pop is a brave and refreshing accomplishment, given that so many of his peers are opting for a John Mayer approach, leaning towards the alternative side of the fence. Not Inglis. There’s a purity to his work that is intoxicating and uplifting. Stainless songwriting and a genuinely good-natured personality let the tunes come alive. They may seem too slow for some, but that says more about the short attention span of today’s listeners than anything else. Inglis gives his songs time to unfold, and they’re thoroughly fulfilling. This is an album that deserves to be played from beginning to end without interruption.
Stephen Inglis: www.stepheninglis.com
Smother.net – Editor’s Pick
by J-Sin
Stephen’s take on the traditional singer/songwriter is a refreshing one. His voice is smooth and honest as he weaves tales that anyone could relate to without sounding wishy-washy. I love how the recording picks up the metal sounds of the acoustic guitar’s string as he moves up and down the fret board. While it might not seem overtly complex in structure its wanton use of creative note plucking and the light filler instrumentation in the background gives it a porch rockin’ vibe. This is a musician that you’ll never mind paying a cover to hear.
– J-Sin