Will Page is known as the fiddle playing front man of Americana band, Noble Jacks, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Sussex. He was inspired from a young age after seeing Fairport Convention’s Dave Swarbrick perform live at his local village hall in Chiddingly (East Sussex).
His debut album `Still Standing` is released this month and he has shared that it has taken him back to his roots! The concept of the album, ‘Still Standing’ came from reflecting on all of the many external changes which he`s navigated in recent years in both his personal and professional lives. Change is constant and inevitable, and we have to roll with the punches, hence the title! He collaborated with a variety of artists on various tracks on this album including none other than Steve Knightley (Show Of Hands) as well as bodhrán and percussionist Cormac Byrne (Seth Lakeman band, Show Of Hands, Uiscedwr)!
The album comes to life with `The Rise` which features Steve Knightley and appears to be a tale of how patriotism can at times be used to divide rather that unite and a view of a problematic world. A folk tinged reflective musing which is at times anthemic before gaining a delightful folk like dance feel in the last ninety seconds or so with the fiddle leading us along. There was a kind of hoedown or shindig texture about `The Cuckoo` which appeared to be full of symbolism. The track may refer to the cuckoo which conveys new beginnings and change, because the cuckoo is one of the first birds to return in springtime after winter. In many cultures, it’s considered lucky to hear a Cuckoo call, especially if you’re looking for love. The Jack of Diamonds is also mentioned and is a card that is a sign that you will be dealing with an intelligent man, who is very untrustworthy.
`Find Your Light` is co-written and co-sung by Steve Knightley and is an uplifting chorale encouraging us all to kind of `carpe diem`, seize the day and make the best use of our lives. We have an optimistic, rousing and moving tale of resilience and persistence with `Strength To Carry On`. A song that tells the desperate yet inspiring story of Will’s grandmother who despite being paralysed by polio disease became a journalist and was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II. The bodhrán played by Cormac Byrne that accompanies Will`s fiddle tones is a joy to behold and adds a further poignancy to this loving tribute.
`Leaving For The Weekend` is a fairly stripped back contemplative piece that seems to be about a relationship that has maybe runs it`s course, where one participant is leaving for the weekend and the remaining partner is unsure as to whether they will return. We enjoy a couple of instrumental musical reels with `Strip Jig – Part 1` and `Strip Jig – Part 2`. A strip-jig refers to both a style within Irish music, and the Irish dance to music in slip-jig time.
`Broadstairs` is an enticing almost promotional advert for the coastal town in Kent situated between Margate and Ramsgate known as the “jewel in Thanet’s crown”. Although i`ve never ventured there this delightfully charming and appealing foot tapping ditty has certainly whetted my appetite to visit and explore. There`s a rueful, yearning sense and mood about `Oceans` a number that appeals to maybe a romantic companion to return and complete your life which is incomplete without their presence.
The title track `Still Standing` closes out this release and it`s a nostalgic slightly melancholic submission shared against a stark strummed acoustic guitar with mournful harmonica tones added towards the end of the composition. A wistful offering that offers a sense of hope and optimism despite a life full of setbacks.
The album runs at just over thirty minutes, and I found it really drew me into it`s contemplative and reflective depths. Will supplied vocals, along with fiddle, guitar, harmonica, banjo, percussion. He also employed the talents of Steve Knightley on vocals, tenor guitar, mandocello, Cormac Byrne on bodhrán, percussion and Jack Hosgood on bass guitar, piano, and electric keyboard in bringing his vision to life.
There`s going to be some comparisons to Seth Lakeman and The Levellers but Will Page very much paddles his own canoe and I for one feel more optimistic and uplifted having revelled in the delights of `Still Standing` and can only hope this is the first of many to come from this young talented artist.
Rating 9 /10
