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'Three in a Bar' - eclectic mix of self-penned, traditional and covered songs (June 19, 2009) The phrase ‘recorded in a pub’ on a CD cover is sometimes a euphemism for ‘this recording is crap’. Not so with ‘Three in a Bar’ from Deportees – not only is this a good recording, it’s better than most pub recordings, and believe me, I’ve heard a few. And by the way, if you like broad spectrum string-driven acoustic rocky-folk from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean then you’ll love this. Despite years being a champion of folk and acoustic songwriters, singers and bands that live below the crest of commercial success, I remain amazed by the wealth of outstanding musicianship and songwriting that flows below those lofty heights. With ‘Three in a Bar’ the Deportees fall squarely into that bracket. The album’s 12 tracks offer you an eclectic mix of self-penned, traditional and covered songs. The blend is American roots and English folk and a damn fine blend it is too. Their collective skill on the 'strings' is obvious and the voices complement one another well.
The music on offer here includes a quartet of songs from Graham - from the seemingly biographical 'Lost Horizon' to the longing of 'Payday'; plus from Adrian the lovely 'Angel'. As well as a couple of traditional songs, there’s also a great song written by Susanna Clark and Rodney Leigh. It's called ‘Come from the Heart’ which Deportees play and sing perfectly (pity about that cough in the middle – they should shoot the insensitive sod). The ‘borrowed’ songs include a fine rendition of John Martyn’s ‘Over the Hill’ and ‘Copperhead Road’ by Steve Earle. Now that’s a brave choice. It’s such a distinctive song that any cover has to get it right – and Deportees hit it spot on. All in all, this is a neat little album from some obviously talented chaps and well worth the paltry number of British beer tokens they ask for it. Enjoy some great music – buy a copy.
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Deportees are Mick Green (vocals, mandolin,
guitars, bouzouki) Adrian Dear (vocals, guitar, mandolin) Graham Bellinger
(vocals, guitars, mandolin, mandocello, mandolin, harp) and Gary Vowles (bass).