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“Montserrat” is the debut album from dynamic blues man Ivor S.K., following hot on the heels of the internationally acclaimed, all acoustic EP “Delta Pines”. Montserrat features 10 cuts that travel the gamut of the blues and all of its closely related tangents, introducing a new sonic landscape with fresh instrumentation, while keeping Ivor’s trademark stripped back simplicity. Ivor also plays all the instruments on the album, lending the songs a uniquely personal touch.

Montserrat kicks off with the title track, an ode to the picturesque Caribbean island, in the form of a slinky jump blues showcasing lyrical flair with stinging lead guitar work. This West Indian flavour flares up again on the Cuban tinged reggae track I Been Had, but not before traversing the chain gang stomp of Don’t Say Goodbye and the humorous country blues of Ain’t No Cross. Take the Good with the Bad is the epitome of swampy, while It’s Raining changes the pace, bringing in some slow burning acoustic soul. Take Me Back to New Orleans and Murder Tonight exemplify the albums diversity, the former an uncompromising slice of Big Easy funk, the latter a chilling tale told over a chugging boogie. The album ends with a one-two acoustic punch, starting with the album’s only instrumental, the sweetly southern Indianola, and ending with the wry story telling of Good Mawnin’ Judge.

Montserrat is a watershed moment in the career of Ivor S.K., displaying a diversity not only as a musician, but also as a song smith in an evolution that takes his talent and passion for keeping the blues alive another step forward. At just 26 years of age, there is plenty more to come.

Hailing from Sydney Australia, Ivor Simpson-Kennedy is one of a new generation of exciting young blues talents to emerge from Down Under. Owning a dark, smoke filled voice and liquid smooth guitar stylings, he utilises these inherit skills to give his compositions a striking originality, paying homage to generations past while bringing a remarkably fresh approach to the table.

1. ivorsk.com