:: Three

The John Butler Trio

John Butler has been one of those passionate performers on the Australian live circuit for several years, earning the respect of musicians and fans for his fine vocals and terrific guitar playing. His trio has soared from the local Perth music scene to becoming widely acclaimed, through lots of touring, albeit in remaining a truly independent outfit. This album sees them express their style very progressively and more confidently than ever. There is real depth, with some feverish rock numbers alongside some acoustic elements. This certainly takes some listening – eight songs in sixty-seven minutes. The songs show the band in lengthy jam sessions and closing with an instrumental of almost fifteen minutes, “Foundation”. There is a solid Middle Eastern influence with percussion elements strong in Butler’s process. Being such a strong live act, the production ensures that this quality is evident, even with the more laid-back approaches throughout. John also plays a lap-steel on the album and it’s something he’s only really tackled recently as a new artform. He feels strongly enough to write about social and environmental concerns. It’s worth a listen, if only to be provoked into the feelings expressed.
http://www.johnbutlertrio.com