"An album of uncomplicated, assertive, beauty, an album that is a genuine highlight of the year. Trace The Line is bold, graceful, unforced emotion being captured like lightning in a bottle, it sparkles with joy and meaning..." **Liverpool Sound & Vision**
TRACE THE LINE is a unique and impressive collaboration between singer/songwriters Yvonne Lyon, Gareth Davies-Jones and David Lyon.
The trio, all respected artists and multi-instrumentalists in their own right, have created a beautifully engaging album, rich in melody, harmony and poetic nuance. Featuring ten original songs and a variety of musical influences, they weave an exceptional sonic tapestry with great skill and originality.
In keeping with their 2016 release, The Space Between, much of the charm of this collection is in the quality of their vocals as Yvonne and Gareth alternate and duet throughout. The combination is natural and effortless as both artists demonstrate the craft that has been a hallmark of their individual repertoires for the last two decades, earning widespread acclaim in the UK and beyond.
From the expansive opening of Unconditional to the foot stomping protest of Revolution, Trace The Line offers compelling listening throughout. A wide range of musical styles are evident but typically the material is centred around acoustic guitars and piano.
Trouble is one of many highlights with its infectious chorus and bluegrass energy, further enhanced by violin, mandolin and accordion. The mood becomes more reflective on Altitude as Gareth’s trademark fingerpicking guitar soothes and inspires before electric guitars and Hammond organ create the backdrop to the evocative lament, In The Riot Of Love.
Among the guest contributors are award-winning violinist and composer Seonaid Aitken and Nashville-based guitarist, songwriter and producer Dan Wheeler. Both grace and energise the album with instinctive flair.
credits
released July 1, 2022
Yvonne Lyon: Vocals, backing vocals, mandolin and acoustic guitars
Gareth Davies-Jones: Vocals, backing vocals and acoustic guitars
David Lyon: Piano, keys, acoustic guitars, bouzouki, accordion, and backing vocals
Sandy Jones: Programming, bass, electric guitars, and samples
Graeme Duffin: Acoustic guitars, electric guitars, programming and backing vocals
Dan Wheeler: Electric guitars
Seonaid Aitken: Fiddle
Pete Harvey: Cello
Dedicated to the memory of Ken Whitty and Miranda Harris
Written by:
Unconditional (Gareth Davies-Jones, Yvonne Lyon & David Lyon), Trouble (Yvonne Lyon, David Lyon & Gareth Davies-Jones), Altitude (Gareth Davies-Jones), In The Riot Of Love (David Lyon), Vision (Gareth Davies-Jones), The Mystery Inside (Yvonne Lyon), Signs (Gareth Davies-Jones), Comfort In The Tragedy (David Lyon), The End Is Where We Start (David Lyon), Revolution (Yvonne Lyon, Ellyn Oliver)
I LOVE this album. Superb songwriting, immersive soundscapes, first class production and performances. One of my essential musical travel companions. Gareth Davies-Jones
For me - probably Paul Bell's best work and features one of my favourite songs "Mend The Cracks With Gold". A gem of an album that deserves to a place in your collection. Gareth Davies-Jones
I've loved being part of this project. Songs and stories of women from the North East of England who have challenged the status quo, changed history and been an inspiration to all. Gareth Davies-Jones
Michelle Stodart’s folk music captures hope in melancholy, addressing the transformational aspects of the most challenging times. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 3, 2023