For some undefinable reason , I find Jon Bickley something of an enigma. He’s a singer, songwriter, author and looks like someone auditioning to play Gandalf on the cover of his book of plays. Jon sprang to prominence with the album, Grace Will Lead Me Home, which he made with Angeline Morrison and Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne and you’d be forgiven for expecting more of the same. Not quite, although Magpie Sky is pretty much English Americana.
The band comprises fiddle-player Diana Stone, Milo Downs on mandolin and vocals, Phil Beavis on accordion and bassist Bill Nimmo. An important sound is the slide guitar of guest player, Andrew Dunn. The first track, ‘Still Small Voice’, is pure country with a chugging accompaniment decorated with fiddle and ‘My Heart Cries For You’, with Dunn up front continues in the same style. ‘I Can’t Breathe’ takes its title from the Black Lives Matter slogan and brings politics to the party.
‘Peace Breaks’ is ostensibly a love song but political comment breaks through and there’s a louche feel with sinuous fiddle to ‘The Other Side’ and we’re now moving away from the album’s starting point. ‘Black Eyed Child’ is set on Cannock Chase or is it actually the report of a nightmare? I can’t quite decide but ‘The Old Country’ has a similarly mysterious vibe. ‘Rhythm Of Love’ has a not-quite raucous feel as Jon sings about a night in a music club and that’s followed by the plaintive ‘Down By The Water’s Edge’. Finally, ‘Magpie’ is a sort of love song – another chugging rhythm with sawing fiddle.
Don’t go rushing into Magpie Sky. Treat it like a fine wine and it will reward your patience. I have spent a couple of afternoons with it and I’m just scratching the surface.
Dai Jeffries
Artists’ website: https://invisiblefolk.com/jon-bickley
‘The Other Side’ – live:
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