Megan Jean’s Family Affair
Megan Jean & The Family consist of Megan Jean - vocals, guitar, Byrne Klay – upright bass, guitar & percussion plus Toru Takiguchi guitar. I have lifted a quote from their web site which best sums up the band: ‘he’s a sucker for lace, she’s a sucker for stubble’ - yeah we are in the heartland of rootsy Americana.
On the cover the band are pictured looking out of a barn door onto the countryside, and the record has a real home feel. Song writing duties are shared by Jean and Klay, and clocking in at just under 30 minutes with seven songs the threads of their song writing are borne out of listening to Hank Williams, Robert Johnson, Dolly Parton, John Prine and Neil Young.
Jean's father was an accomplished bluegrass and blues flatpicker in her hometown just outside of Seattle, whilst Klay grew in NY. It’s lo-fi record but well worth 3-4 listens to become converted by the superb songs and intimate sound, best heard on ‘This Ain’t Anger’ and ‘The End of September,’ one of the best anti war songs of the last few years.
With the new season upon us, the Family’s Autumn should be with us all year.
Date review added: Saturday, September 29, 2007
Reviewer: andy riggs
Reviewers Rating: 8 out of 10
Andy Riggs - Americana UK (Sep 29, 2007)