"A set of timeless, unaffected songs in the tradition of such greats as Bert Jansch, Davy Graham and Waudby's countryman Michael Chapman. Unassuming but powerful, On The Ballast Miles gets under your skin."
4/5 stars - Shindig! Magazine.
"'On The Ballast Miles' rests lightly on a foundation of considerable skill, and if that sounds simple, that is mostly because of how deftly Waudby plays and sings" Aquarium Drunkard.
"'On The Ballast Miles' is a gorgeous collection of intimate, seductively played yet occasionally gritty guitar-based songs... There’s a great deal to like about this album. The songs are beautifully crafted, Waudby’s playing is superb and the vocals fit the mood like a mitten."
Phil McMullen - The Terrascope
"A beautiful album of folk inventions recalling W. Jones, R. Harper and B. Jansch whilst keeping his own distinctive edge. Stunning."
Byron Coley
"A triumph" - Bob Nastanovich of Pavement
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‘On the ballast miles’ is an album of acoustic finger style guitar, melodic vocals and lyrics steeped in the people and places of the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Recalling the folk revival guitarists of the ‘60s, but taking new routes with modern influences, unexpected tunes and intriguing lyrics, Waudby has presented a collection of songs that will quietly charm and seduce.
Waudby was born and bred in the East Riding of Yorkshire, a county of fading towns, flat farmland and a brutal coastline that has seeped into his bones. The songs speak of a place where both the industry and the cliff edge has been eroded leaving a battered, but beautiful place where the people and the land persist despite economic and environmental pressures.
This vision is presented through a lone guitar weaving deliberate melodies that harmonise and complement honest vocals, which evoke the heritage of the area.
If you are a fan of acoustic psych-folk, northern song writing or fingerstyle guitar playing, this intimate album is bound to draw you in.
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Background: James Waudby was previously in the band Salako who released three albums on Jeepster Recordings, won best international album in Spain, and recorded a John Peel session. He also played guitar in Marble Valley, the solo project of Steve West of Pavement, as well as playing in the band Horse Guards Parade who released a critically acclaimed album and recorded a session for Marc Riley on BBC 6 Music.
credits
released January 14, 2023
All songs written and performed by James Waudby
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Luke Barwell
supported by 14 fans who also own “On The Ballast Miles”
So...Grateful Dead, Gong and Can , set up shop and start jamming. Hawkwind shows up amd says, "Oh, this is lovely, let's really mess with minds." Wonderful jams. Pour Dampness definitely hints to the Dead...Shrinks has Gong and Can written all over the liner notes until the 10 minute mark...then Hawkwind blows through the rest.Great psych jams! dgcirkus
supported by 13 fans who also own “On The Ballast Miles”
Hi Henry, great set last night. Managed to work my phone! Great music mate, I feel safe in the knowledge that you and Katie are keeping acoustic music alive. Donnie. donalin
Recorded live at St Buryan Church, the latest from Sarah McQuaid is a showcase for the simple power of voice & guitar. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 16, 2021
supported by 11 fans who also own “On The Ballast Miles”
Psych-folk with a late 60s / early 70s flavour. If you like Nick Drake or Fairport Convention you will enjoy this. It's an observation of change and a celebration of a hazy, high summer harvest. The music transports you to the moorlands and mill towns of Northern England. Dark and open and embellished with beautiful melodies and thoughtful lyrics.
This is album of the year 2021 for me. distant planet