Doghouse Roses 'How've You Been (all this time)' album

The music of “How’ve You Been (All This Time)?” is rooted in country-blues and folk music though with a more urban edge resulting in a sound which lies somewhere between Pentangle and Fairport Convention, with a nod to Gillian Welch on the way. Glasgow based duo, Iona Macdonald & Paul Tasker present their debut CD of 10 original songs, described as a “seamless mix of folk ,blues, americana & country” by Fiona Shepherd in the Scotsman Newspaper. Largely written whilst touring during 2007, the album is produced by composer / producer Malcolm Lindsay, who’s previous credits include the Delgado’s and the Willard Grant Conspiracy, and features Scottish National Opera’s lead cellist Robert Irvine, Willard Grant Conspiracy fiddle player, Josh Hillman, and former Capercaillie percussionist Wilf Taylor.

Call it what you will - nu folk, alt-folk or even folkicana - the new Doghouse Roses’ album “How’ve You Been (All This Time)?”, is a gorgeous example of modern folk ranging from the bohemian folk-pop flavours of “Greener the Grass”, to the “stark acoustic splendour” of “Happiness”. On this, their first full length studio album, singer Iona Macdonald and guitarist Paul Tasker augmented their stripped back live sound with piano, strings, and cello balancing the intimacy of their live performance with the colour of a band outing.

The 10 original songs, written during 2007, capture tales of small town frustrations, hard fought triumphs and a constant need to be moving partly inspired by the motorway that carves through the centre of their hometown, Glasgow. The album was recorded with producer Malcolm Lindsay (Willard Grant Conspiracy, The Delgados) after they were invited by Robert Fisher to perform on the new, critically-acclaimed Willard Grant Conspiracy album Pilgrim Road.

Album opener “Gone There” features Paul Tasker’s driving acoustic guitar, with Iona Macdonald’s soaring voice and beautiful harmonies, while recently released single “Greener the Grass” uses strings and cello to create a sound which led Scotland’s biggest selling national newspaper to tip them for great things. There are also several musical surprises to be found along the way including the Dr. John inspired feel to the outro of “Border Hills” and the piano led ballad “Stalling” which recalls Blue era Joni Mitchell.

“How’ve You Been (All This Time)?” features contributions by such talented musicians as the Scottish Opera’s principle cellist Robert Irvine, ex-Capercaille percussionist Wilf Taylor and Willard Grant Conspiracy’s fiddle player Josh Hillman. Iona Macdonalds’ father, Duncan Macdonald, a noted and award winning gaelic singer, also contributes backing vocals to “On My Mind” and “Border Hills”. The music of “How’ve You Been (All This Time)?” is rooted in country-blues and folk music though with a more urban edge resulting in a sound which lies somewhere between Pentangle and Fairport Convention, with a nod to Gillian Welch on the way.

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Doghouse Roses - How've You Been (all this time)