Jason McNiff, the internationally heralded songwriter and guitarist, brings his trio to Chelmsford’s Hot Box this Sunday (23 March). Tickets are available here.
Furthermore, Jason and fellow Hastings residents, The Lost Revellers, are staging A Razor’s Edge – a celebration of the incredible music, lyrics, and legacy of Bob Dylan in their hometown next week.
Jason McNiff speaks exclusively to Even Butterflies Make A Sound
Jason and I had a short chat, which was broadcast on Paul Dupree’s Transmission show. Please click the image below to listen to Paul’s ever-brilliant show and my talk with Jason.
We discussed, among other interesting things, his most recent LP, Everything is a Song and his reaction to being voted Male Artist of the Year by Fatea Magazine. Oh, and his feelings about being stranded in New Zealand without a guitar!
The UK’s premier fingerstyle guitarist
Mojo
Bob Dylan celebration
Intriguingly, towards the end of the interview, Jason spoke briefly about A Razor’s Edge, which he is co-staging with The Lost Revellers. He was happy to answer further questions about the event.
Jason explained: “‘A Razor’s edge’ is a lyric from the Dylan song ‘Shelter from the Storm’ – ‘Beauty walks a razor’s edge, someday I’ll make it mine’. We just loved that line.
“The CD we released is basically just a recording of our rehearsals. We thought it would be nice if people could have a souvenir of the show. We’re actually doing about 22 songs on the night. But, even so, you’re right, it was hard to narrow down the songs.
“We thought we should have something from a few periods in Dylan’s career, but we could easily do another show with 22 totally different songs, just as famous, just as great.
“Richard Moore and I compiled the setlist one evening over a couple of delightful ales in our local St Leonard’s pub. We brainstormed our favourite tracks and, where they coincided, we added it to the set. We wanted a balance of big hits, more obscure gems, folk 60s material, mid-60s ‘Judas’ electric stuff, and some recent crooner material.
“The band is just the four of us – Matt Armstrong, myself, Richard Moore, and Caitlin Roberts (pictured left to right above). We swap instruments. Matt moves from double bass to drums, Richard from violin to bass, myself from acoustic to electric, and Caitlin from accordion to piano. There is also a special guest, Caitlin’s dad, Paul Roberts from Sniff ‘n’ the Tears. He’s going to sing one at the start of the second set.”
Future plans
Jason: “Yes! We intend to take it on the road later this year!”
There you have it. The definitive word. A show not to be missed by Dylan devotees. I believe there are a few about. These pages will bring you news of that as soon as.
The strictly limited edition A Razor’s Edge is available on Bandcamp.
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Andy McCulloch
I am a music writer, blogger, and promoter. I originally established Even Butterflies Make A Sound to re-publish music reviews I published last century. However, the blog has taken on a life of its own and is the better for that. Please enjoy not so responsibly.
One reply on “Jason McNiff is on a razor’s edge”
Andreus I love what you are doing and thank you for it – cheers, Ricardo