Billy Bragg (uk)

Billy (real name) Bragg is that 'outspoken' and committed British singer-guitarist. You know him from hits like 'A New England' and 'Sexuality'.

Now (after about five years?) totally back again with the CD 'Tooth & Nail' (on Cooking Vinyl, here via V2.) In a recent Focus Knack: 4*/5 for this 'drowsy and unadorned Americana.' Whereby fingers were immediately pointed toward Wilco's unrivalled Mermaid Avenue project around the Woody Guthrie catalogue.

Or also De Standaard 4*/5: 'These twelve songs form a powerful, moving entity and Bragg concludes sincerely with ‘Tomorrow’s going to be a better day’.'

Billy Bragg has apparently pulled a Bowie for 'Tooth & Nail': five days in the studio at Joe Henry's house, sounds like it was recorded live, and all that with the big bad world outside knowing nothing about it.

The result is generous and eloquent. The more tender flipside of the ever militant punk-, folk- & protest-singer. Milder emotions were more important, warmer arrangements and sources of inspiration like love and other suffering.

Billy Bragg has gladdened us since 1983 with conspicuous CD titles like 'Life's A Riot With Spy Vs Spy', 'Brewing Up With Billy Bragg', 'Talking With The Taxman About Poetry'... Now he moves us with genuine beauty on 'Tooth & Nail' (and his handsome, full beard).

Kim Churchill (aus)

Billy now brings along Kim, from Australia, as support-act: Kim Churchill, fresh surfer-singer-songwriter with an intriguing fourth CD just completed: 'Into The Steel'.