Bassist John Wright further explores his interest in traditional and folk music with this collection of stripped-down (sometimes intimate, sometimes rousing) pieces. He's teamed up with talented acoustic and electric guitarist Steve Lehto, who accompanied Wright sparingly on his previous "electric" recording Just Left of Center. This recording also features drummer Matt Jacobs, who's also worked with Wright on his solo project as well as with the Celtic rock Stuart Martz Band. On
Ye Mariners All, Lehto shares the spotlight with Wright as both perform, arrange, and produce on an equal basis. Lehto's acoustic style can be likened to that of Ian Anderson ("Skewbald") and
Al Petteway ("Lamentation of Owen Roe O'Neill") while electrically he's more difficult to pin down, although hints of Richard Thompson ("Four Drunken Maidens") and
Martin Carthy ("Beamish's Goat" medley) are definitely evident. While the acoustic or stripped-down electric treatment prevails on this album, there are rocking moments, most notably their take on
Nick Drake's "Black Eyed Dog" and portions of the epic title track, both of which are endowed with Lehto's deft fingerprints. Wright handles the lead vocals in his unique delivery, and his vast array of underlying basses reinforces the notion of the symbiotic relationship that should exist between talented guitarists and empathetic and equally talented bassists. ~ Dave Sleger