"Long Way Round" by Stone Bear

Stone Bear, which these days is to say David John, have/has just dropped a new single, namely "Long Way Round".

He has over the years and increasing numbers of gem quality releases, demonstrated the sort of identifiable areas of interest which are helpful in building a strong artistic identity (I refuse to say "brand"). These include songs about trees (often old ones) or the weather but also about that source of so many musical legends: The Road.

Taking previous single "Suitcase in My Hand" by the other hand, this one continues further down this highway (yes it's a long one and can tell so many stories) and on this occasion he addresses the length as a positive: giving extra time for reflection.

There is actually a good connection with his more overtly pastoral songs in the gentle sound: instead of the sense of weary trudging normally associated with the theme, he evokes much the same sort of mindful refreshment as those where he's lying beneath the boughs of a favourite tree.

We are a long way from the Chicago blues of the first Stone Bear songs: it's as if David has re-traced the steps of the blues pioneers and taken the opposite direction: going back to the rural styles they played before moving to the city. It's less a plea for a slower & more considered pace of life than a manifesto for one: ease up, don't rush through your days. Savour the journey as much as you anticipate the destination. Sound advice.

Does his sound shape his lyrics or is it the other way round? Songs like this which argue for the simple life must therefore adopt a similar arrangement & ones extoling the joys of nature need natural sounds. I don't think the "chicken  or egg" argument is worth pursuing here: the two aspects enjoy a symbiotic relationship in Stone Bear songs of this era and as you'll know from previous reviews, David goes for as much and no more than is necessary: voice yes, guitar yes and the comforts of his own home to capture them in. His technique is so good that he has no need for studio trickery or unnecessary instrumentation.

I imagine that, given the significant number of these acoustic, contemplative songs which David has written in recent years that a Stone Bear gig itself must be a very mindful occasion: I need to catch him again soon. As do you.