written by Barry Andrews on 17/05/2005
Good Points
A poet's ear for narrative, hypnotic guitar plucking, emotionally stirring songs.
General Comments
When singer/songwriter Stephen Inglis (http://www.steveinglis.com) relates his stories, you are compelled to listen. Give credit to his delicate, heartwarming vocal delivery (if his vocals on "Mele for Makana" do not touch you, you must have the heart of an iceberg), but the masterful plucking of his guitar. "Fringes of the Wayside" presents some of the most hypnotic handling of the acoustic guitar you'll hear this year; even without his thoughtful words his fingers express a myriad of emotions through their command of the strings.
Who is this man?
Inglis is an artist that should be on your Must Purchase Now list with this impeccable release. "Swingset 'Neath the Stars" will bring back memories of innocent youthful days long gone by while "Cold City Rain" is made for London winter weather. I receive hundreds of CD's throughout the year, but very few of them are perfect for cuddling with the wife. I have to thank Mr. Inglis for recording an album that my wife and I can appreciate together, absorbing its textures and tales told.