Alan West
The Way it is EP
Tracks: 6
Alan West hails from Dorset UK, but without question sounds more as if he belongs with his American counterparts. This EP is his third release on the Neo Records label and came about as the result of a trip to Nashville in 2010, working with Dean Barnes and Pat McInerny.
The opening track, Alaska (Take me Back), was written by West’s longtime friend and fellow musician, Steve Black. The song captures perfectly that feeling of longing to be back in a place you love. I think most people will relate. I don’t feel the call of Alaska, but of a small town in Mississippi...wherever the place, the feelings are universal.
Steve also contributed the touching You’re On Your Own, aswell as It’s Enough to Kill Ya, which he co wrote with collaborator of old, Jim Almand; a rather cleverly constructed drinking song.
Jefferson Ross penned Hornet Hawkins, ostensibly the story of a man and land. Hugh Moffatt, brother of Katy Moffatt, wrote Whiskey Up. I have to admit to initially thinking, ‘Oh great, another whiskey song...’ but I was pleasantly surprised...
However, without question, the stand out track, which is, in my opinion, worth the cost of the EP, alone, is Prophet Elijah. Without spoiling it, it is about a man, a belief, a prophecy, forgiveness; it is almost a vision of who and what the world needs right now. Just stunning.
Alan West is doing a show on stageit.com in March, streamed live into your house via the wonders of the internet. I’ll be tuning in with hopes of hearing the story of Elijah delivered live!
The EP is available on iTunes or from his website: www.alanwest.co.uk
