Number Nine - classy retro-country and rockabilly.
1.Sway 2.Crazy blues 3.Running drunk 4.Lodi 5.Forever warm 6.Just in time 7.Think of me 8.Mohair Sam 9.Sweet Marie 10.She said 11.The fool 12.Sentimental 13.Love is all I need 14.Set me free 15.Another time another place 16.Coming home 17.He walked out 18.Here's your coat 19.Honky tonk man
Number Nine
This is quite a different album to previous Number Nine records. The huge talent of Paul Ansell is of course evident throughout, but where there was once 50's Rockabilly with a Country flavour there now seems to be, in places an early 60's American undertone, like the feel of those songs from Elvis movie soundtracks. Well, Number Nine have never been a straight, boring rockin' band and as a long-time Number Nine fan I must say it's not altogether unexpected as they've covered stuff like 'Little Egypt' in the past. I, for one, find their direction totally refreshing in comparison to the sometimes analy retentive search for totally authentic 50's sounds that some bands go for. Best tracks here are the opener 'Sway', and the self penned 'Crazy Blues' which has a Luther Perkins/Johnny Horton low-string picking style. Deathrow Database #34
Paul Ansell, the singer and leader of Number Nine, is a rare talent. He's been involved with various styles of music over the years, but his Country Rockin' material has always been the best, and one feels that that's where his heart is. He was first noticed as 'The Blue Rhythm Boys' with an EP on Northwood way back when. Over the years, he has matured in the way that Van Morrison has; that is to say, his style has mellowed and broadened. Not for him the copycat purist style of a Rockabilly wannabee - I've seen him playing chart hits to a crowd of die-hard Rockabillies and going down a storm because he has the ability to re-arrange a song to make it fit the occasion. He also manages to surround himslef with the right kind of musicians for what he wants to do. His version of 'Lodi' is wonderful - and I speak as a long-time John Fogerty fan. I really hope that John Fogerty gets to hear it one day! However, there's another side to Paul. He's an excellent songwriter, and I can really recommend 'Crazy blues' from this CD. If, like me, you're past the first flush of youth, and spend a lot of time seated while listening to music, please invest in this CD. Write to your local radio station and request this CD. This guy needs our support and encouragement! Roy Williams
"There has been loads of line-up changes in Number Nine during the past few years. But the trademark, voice of vocalist, Paul Ansell, is there. And that's good. Style of Number Nine is mixture of rock'n'roll, rockabilly, country, blues and even a little bit of soul and swing. With excellent musicians (Darrel Higham and Malcolm Chapman on guitars, Mick Wigfall on upright bass, and Gwynn Griffiths on drums), they can really put some swing and groove to any song really. Maybe better studio work could do more justice to this band, but this is still very good. But the sounds really bothers me in some songs. It's bit thin every now and then. But the voice of Paul Ansell is brilliant, and choice of songs too. Take a listen their version of CCR's 'Lodi' or great rockabilly version of the Sandford Clark's 'The Fool'. Goody, Goody!" www.scf.fi
Number Nine - classy retro-country and rockabilly.