Nigel Stonier - Wolf Notes

It’s been a while since we had a ‘solo’ album from renowned producer, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Niger Stonier. Six years, in fact, since we last had an album bearing Stonier’s name; ‘Wolf Notes’ is his eighth offering. Although still not as well-known as a man of his talents should be, those who maybe think Stonier is a new name should look at the producer’s credit on some of their favourite albums. Stonier has collaborated or produced with a number of artists including Fairport Convention, Thea Gilmore, Lindisfarne and The Waterboys. But for this writer it’s the work he did with lesser-known artists such as Tracey Browne and Kelly Oliver which helped me understand just how talented Stonier is. Then there was ‘I Hope I Always’ a track on Stonier’s 2014 album ‘Built For Storms’ which cemented the fact that Stonier deserved more than just acclaim for his work as a producer for other artists. The song is a touching, beautiful ballad which showcases Stonier’s emotive, warm vocals perfectly; it’s one of those songs to turn to for inspiration during those dark days. Unfortunately, the song touches so deep that any new music from Stonier has a lot to live up to. So, it’s with a little trepidation that these ears approach ‘Wolf Notes’ despite Stonier having, at times, reached the heights of ‘I Hope I Always’ on subsequent albums. But the opener, ‘Don’t Lose Songs’ shows that whatever is going to follow over the course of the next eleven songs is going to be interesting to say the least. It should be noted that the birth of this album was during the days of lockdown and so lyrically (one of Stonier’s strong talents which isn’t always noted) there are lines that remind us of that time and which are also inspiring. The Celtic hue of the song is brilliantly displayed by Stonier’s son Egan’s violin and Natalie Grace Kelsey’s flute and whistle (and Stonier’s other son Asher’s pulsating drums play a major part in creating the atmosphere too) which instantly warm the heart. “Lose motivation, it comes and it goes, lose inspiration it ebbs and it flows, but don’t lose songs, lose the ex-lover who just bring you down, keep undercover, stay out of town, but don’t lose songs” and other lyrics which highlight the power of music delivered in Stonier’s emotive vocals. It's an irresistible and positive start to the album. The following track, ‘The New Alright’ couldn’t be more different, a bluesy romp despite being driven by banjo (along with nifty lead guitar from Lindisfarne’s Rod Clements) it’s a biting attack aimed surely at more current affairs than looking back at the lockdown era. ‘That’s Why God Made Tribute Bands’ has already been promoted as a single from the album (whatever that means these days, surely it’s more of a taster for the album?) and shows Stonier’s rockier credentials. With excellent lead guitar from Jamiroquai’s Rob Harris on lead guita,r it once again displays Stonier’s lyrical ability. Highlighting the shallowness which is rife in so much of society and our current obsessions, it’s full of cutting one-liners which are true yet still raise a smile. ¨There’s a TV personality without a personality, and a household name who doesn’t make a living¨ being just one. Throwing in a couple of well-known song titles adds to the listener digging even deeper to the lyrics and hitting replay. What initially seemed to be a catchy, rocky but insubstantial romp ends up being a favourite on the album. But Stonier follows that with ‘That’s Where You’ll Be’ and we are in ‘I Hope I Always’ territory once more. It’s a breathtaking ballad which is totally at odds with what just went before and shows the skill Stonier has in taking on all genres of music and winning every time. ¨In the laughter of your children, that’s where you’ll be¨ Stonier gently sings in this tribute to those we miss or have lost. When it comes to songs that touch the heart Stonier really excels; he dresses his lyrics in such moving melodies that perfectly compliment the sentiment in his voice, such songs leave the listener breathless. Talking of melodies, ‘You Still Have Faith In Me’ is one of Stonier’s prettiest again coupled with thoughtful lyrics. The atmospheric title track, at times slightly bringing to mind ‘Days Of Pearly Spencer’ in the verses, is another highlight. Katie Ware’s haunting vocals meld with Stonier’s brilliantly. So half-way through the album and really the following six songs all deserve special mention as the quality never dips, not for a second. ¨If you don’t have the soul, you don’t get the gig¨ Stonier sings on a co-write with The Waterboys Steve Wickham, another beautiful, swaying ballad helped along by Rod Clements dobro; no need to worry Nigel, on this album you’ve proved soul is one thing you have plenty of. And then some.

Track Listing:-

1 Don't Lose Songs
2 The New Alright
3 Thats Why God Made Tribute Bands
4 That's Where You'll Be
5 You Still Have Faith In Me
6 Wolf Notes
7 Get Through
8 A Train Called Inspiration
9 Soul
10 Mediant (Alright)
11 Path Of Green
12 I Believe (Love Will Save Your Life)