ED2013 3/5 Reviews ED2013 Music Reviews

Bizarre Guitar And Terse Verse (BIL & CYN)

By | Published on Sunday 18 August 2013

Bill Fulton and Cynthia Stephens alternate between guitar instrumentals, sonnets with guitar accompaniment, and spoken-word poetry. In taste and material, think Pete Seeger by way of Gilbert O’Sullivan or Harry Nilsson (though less memorable). Fulton is an excellent, subtle guitarist, incorporating shades of folk, blues, jazz and bossa nova. In comparison, Stephens’ poetry isn’t bad, but doesn’t settle in the mind, and her self-conscious kookiness is a little affected, providing a strange counterpoint to Fulton’s easy accompaniment. However, the subject-matter of the sonnets is varied, ranging from socio-political commentary to descriptions of autumn. It’s a pleasant way to spend an hour; sweet, sanguine, and resolutely small-town.

Laughing Horse @ The Phoenix, until 8 Aug (not 7, 14), 2.30pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [Arjun Sajip]



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