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In a recent feature on TV it was revealed that Country Music
\nwas, officially, the fastest growing musical genre in UK. The whole country, it
\nseems, has been embracing it. This one time niche art form has had over 1.4
\nbillion streams over the last year. Apparently a 300% increase from 5 years
\nago. <\/p>\n
This is a huge surge in popularity. Country Music’s distinct identity speaks
\nvolumes to people. According to the listeners ‘the songs resonate and are from the
\nheart’.<\/p>\n
Country music is, and will always be, synonymous with
\nNashville. But the whole landscape, particularly in the UK, has progressed
\nimmeasurably from how it can be depicted.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
British artists were clearly influenced by the American brand
\nbut in recent years it has taken on a life of its own. The music has slowed
\ndown slightly and aspects such as production and harmonies are world class.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The UK scene is led by bands like Ward Thomas, The Shires and
\nWildwood Kin. But recently they have been joined by local musician Guy Surtees
\nwho has just released his debut four track EP titled ‘English Country Boy’. And
\nwhat a great listen it is.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Guy has not simply jumped on the bandwagon. He has gravitated
\nthere. He first discovered Country during 1986 and stepped right in during
\n2009.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Locally, Guy was a member of Profile during the very early
\n1980s. Incredibly talented he taught fellow band member, Steve Barney, how to
\nplay bass guitar.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Guy went on to appear in Beachmantango alongside Anthony
\nHarty. He also featured on the original Paradise West recordings where he
\nplayed keyboards and harmonica.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
During the 90s Guy moved to California where he played with a
\ncountry band.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
It now appears that the experience Guy has gained, from all
\nhis years on the circuit, are finally paying off.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The opening track on his EP ‘English Country Boy’ is a lively
\naffair. I asked Guy if the lyric was a confession. ‘Yes’ he said ‘it is
\nautobiographical. I\u2019ve loved Country music for many years but only recently
\nstarted to sing and write in this style’.<\/p>\n
\n
\nBut it is his treatment of the remaining songs on the EP that bring you out in
\nbumps. They are truly attention grabbing and these, I think will have enormous
\ncrossover appeal.<\/p>\n
Guy writes all the songs. Additionally, I think he plays all
\ninstruments as well. And there is much more to come.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Guy’s songs are stories told in an earnest style. They are
\nmore a metaphor for life, picking yourself up and embracing what you have. Romantic and melancholy ballads accompanied by
\nacoustic and slide guitars. The imitable mark of a man who has, at some
\npoint, experienced many emotions.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Country music is not all brawling, drinking and wide open
\nspaces. Check out Guy at:<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
guysurtees.co.uk<\/a><\/u><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Guy Surtees \u2013 English Country Boy by Pete Clemons In a recent feature on TV it was revealed that Country Music was, officially, the fastest growing musical genre in UK. The whole country, it seems, has been embracing it. … Continue reading