Reg Meuross - 12 Silk Hankerchiefs

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 22 / 2 / 2019

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Review

At first sight (and on first listen) it appears that acclaimed singer-songwriter Reg Meuross has taken a different path for his latest album, ’12 Silk Handkerchiefs’. But after living with and researching the inspiration for the album it becomes clear that ’12 Silk Handkerchiefs’ is not only such an obvious development in Reg’s career but also the album that he was surely destined to make, the one that all his previous releases have been building up to. So what’s so different? While master storyteller Reg could always tell a short story within one of his songs in under five minutes (and without exception set his thoughtful lyrics to unforgettable melodies) this latest album is a song-cycle built around the 1968 Hull Triple Trawler Disaster in which 58 men lost their lives and which resulted in the uprising led by Lillian Bilocca, aka Big Lil’, who along with her Headscarf Revolutionaries’ brought in new safety measures to help safeguard fishing communities. Those who have heard Reg’s previous work will know already that this is a story that this extraordinary musician was born to spread the word about. It appears that Reg was initially inspired to write this song-cycle after reading Brian W. Lavery’s book titled ‘Headscarf Revolutionaries: Lillian Bilocca and the Hull Triple-Trawler Disaster’. Of the six actual songs on the album only two feature Reg on lead vocals. Apart from his talent setting short stories to memorable melodies Reg’s peaceful, reassuring tone has always impressed and suited his songs perfectly yet here we are with just Reg taking lead on two of six new songs. But again it works; Samantha Martyn takes the lead vocals on two songs. Despite Reg being an excellent singer songs such as ‘I am a Fish House Woman’, one of the songs in which Sam takes the lead, just wouldn’t have the same power if sung by a male. And Sam, who also lends harmonium and flute to the songs, is another expressive singer blessed with a beautiful voice. Hull musician Mick McGarry takes lead vocals on the remaining two songs and one can understand why Reg chose Mick to take the lead on his two songs; Mick is another expressive vocalist and, maybe because he’s a local lad, he injects every line with the passion that only someone who is feeling those lyrics can express. So, we have a Reg Meuross album that at the outset appeared was going to deprive us of Reg’s emotive vocals only to find that, in reality, the song-cycle is more powerful and affecting due to the three different vocalists. And only six songs? In fact there are thirteen tracks. There are spoken introductions to each song narrated by Brian Lavery, the author of the book that ultimately resulted in this song-cycle. It is another brilliant touch. The closing poem, ‘Time & Tides’, is also from the pen of Brian Lavery; read by Mick McGarry it’s one of the most affecting pieces on a thought-provoking set. The short refrain of the preceding title song is a touch of genius to close the album and one that will surely leave many a hardened soul with moist eyes. That title track is absolutely stunning; a last request from Lillian to her daughter to buy a dozen silk handkerchiefs which she then handed out to those who had looked after her the day before she passed away from cancer aged just 59. Although the lead vocal is by Reg, the harmonies from Sam and Mick are simply superb. Coupled with just Reg’s acoustic and Sam’s harmonium the result can’t fail to touch you. Reg Meuross has yet to make an album that doesn’t touch the listener in some way; he’s an exceptional lyricist, one of our best in fact and his way with a melody is second to none. As a vocalist there are few who can go to the places Reg reaches with his voice in such comforting tones while still getting what is usually a powerful message across. So, yes ’12 Silk Handkerchiefs’ is a slight departure for Reg Meuross but only because this time he’s expanded a story across a whole album and interspersed some of his most touching songs with spoken passages which, along with the songs, complete the whole story. Reg Meuross has delivered many excellent albums but this latest collection must stand as not only his most adventurous but also his most important work to date. It’s not just highly recommended but an essential listen for anyone who cares about music and communities.

Track Listing:-

1 Wash Her Man Away (Introduction)
2 Wash Her Man Away (Lead Vocal: Mick)
3 I Am A Fish House Woman (Introduction)
4 I Am A Fish House Woman (Lead Vocal: Sam)
5 John Barry Rogers (Introduction)
6 John Barry Rogers (Lead Vocal: Mick)
7 The Man The Sea Gave Back (Introduction)
8 The Man The Sea Gave Back (Lead Vocal: Reg)
9 Sleep You Safely (Introduction)
10 Sleep You Safely (Lead Vocal: Sam)
11 12 Silk Handkerchiefs (Introduction)
12 Silk Handkerchiefs (Lead Vocal: Reg)
13 Time And Tides (Poem By Brian Lavery, Read By Mick)

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/RegMeurossMus
http://www.regmeuross.com/
https://twitter.com/regmeuross

Label Links:-

http://www.propermusic.com/label/Hatso