Ian Siegal - Stone by Stone (2022) [Hi-Res]

Ian Siegal's brand new studio album 'Stone By Stone' is a celebration of collaboration with the muscle of Ian Siegal's voice standing front and centre. Recorded in Southern California's Grow Vision Studios with production team Greta Valenti and Robin Davey (Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse, The Hoax) the songs are raw, intimate and assured. Greta explains, 'We wanted to really capture the essence of who Ian Siegal is. His voice, his soul, and his years as an artist and touring musician all leading up to this point in his life and career.' 'The album was an unexpected result of various planets aligning and happy coincidences. The pull of it was irresistable. I dug deep for some personal insights but was also extremely lucky to be surrounded by creative inspiration and the support of great friends to help me get this all down', says Mr. Siegal. Key album track 'The Fear' is Ian at his most raw. A stunning tale of a man reflecting on one's life and post-drinking paranoia, it's easy to see why Mojo Magazine celebrate Siegal as 'the cleverest writer and most magnetic blues performer in the UK.' NSFW work anthem 'The Shit' encapsulates Ian's mischievous side in a delightfully twisted, playful tune. 'Working On A Building' is a glorious ruckus featuring Jimmie Wood (vocals & harp) and JJ Holiday (guitar) from The Imperial Crowns. Folk hero, Jimbo Mathus is a songwriting partner throughout the record. The pair conjured up the Shemekia Copeland duet 'Hand In Hand' and the dark undertones of 'Gathering Deep' - an ode to a ficticious town in the True Detective television series and to the writing of Ambrose Bierce. 'Hand In Hand' also features the percussive stylings of Stephen Hodges (Tom Waits, Mavis Staples, T-Bone Burnett). Siegal's long list of past achievements includes 13 British Blues Awards, 3 Mojo Blues Albums of the Year, 4 European Blues Music Awards and 3 US Blues Awards nominations. While the blues certainly provides a bedrock for the records, 'Stone By Stone' is not a blues album. It's a collection of songs steeped in the traditions of classic songwriting, offering hope, reflection, sadness and joy. The album further cements Ian's reputation as not only a fierce live performer but also an essential British recording artist. It's no wonder Record Collector hails Siegal as a 'National Treasure.'