Robin Auld - Back of the Line

  by Dave Goodwin

published: 25 / 11 / 2015

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Now based in Cape Town, Robin Auld was actually born in Lusaka, Zambia, and his childhood was spent alternating between Southern Africa and Scotland where his parents originate from. Listening to Hendrix, Ry Cooder and Neil Young and also absorbing the influences from the indigenous guitarists of South Africa such as Philip Tabane, Tony Cox, Madala Kunene and Steve Newman, Auld learned to play guitar himself whilst spending much of his time on the beach, surfing in Cape Town. Playing as a guitarist in various Cape Town bands like the Lancaster Band and the Steve Walsh Roots Rhythm band he started to write and sing his own songs and had several national hits with the band Z-Astaire. He has recorded in New York, Nashville, London, Glasgow and California and touring the UK and South Africa on a regular basis. His music evolved from an earlier pop sound to a mix of roots that make up his sound today. He has collaborated with Jackson Browne, Lloyd Cole, Mud Morgenfield and Seasick Steve and has, up to date, released over 20 albums, Robin Auld now releases albums through his own label Free Lunch in joint venture with Next Music of which 'Back of the Line' is his first release for three years and his ninth release on that outlet. He is also the author of a book, 'Tight Lines', and a poetry/short story collection entitled 'Kelp'. This latest offering, recorded over the first half of 2014, sports no fewer than twelve tracks, and has Auld playing the majority of the instruments himself with help from bassist Roger Bashaw and drummer Paul Tizzard amongst others who, incidentally, according to the sleeve notes also contributes "a sunny disposition". It is a pleasant mix of country style blues, roots and folk that has been labelled as both a little more soulful than most of his other works to date and also arguably his best to date. The title track is the first to be released as a single from the album, and is a curious number with the artist battling with life and death after having been visited by a not so friendly shark. The timeless and well argued issues of faith and religion are dissected and analysed in 'Since Caleb Lost His Calling' and 'The Old Book'. There is a pop element hiding in here too on the memorable 'Save a Little Something', and there is even a contribution from the mighty Bee Gees when Auld sings a cover of their1 song 'Holiday'. The album ends on a positive and bright note with 'Say the Word' on which Tom Fox of Bright Blue fame from New Zealand provides some of the guitar work. The CD version comes in a colourful gatefold sleeve with a picture of Auld on a chair with guitar and houses a nice inner booklet with lyrics. The photography has been well produced by Andy Lund and the artwork by Gavin Thompson.

Track Listing:-

1 Caleb's Calling
2 Back of the Line
3 Corrinna
4 Let Go
5 Holiday
6 Save a Little Something
7 Bones Never Lie
8 Only When You Smile
9 Porgy's Escape
10 The Old Book
11 Red Ground (The Ballad of Mary Livingstone)
12 Say the Word

Band Links:-

http://www.robinauld.co.za/
https://www.youtube.com/user/robinauld
https://www.facebook.com/Robinauldmusic
https://twitter.com/RobinAuldMusic

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