THE STEVE WILSON BAND ~ SIDESHOWS AND FAIRYTALES

Steve Wilson is of the breed of musicians that lives to play and plays to live. He writes quality, motive and eclectic songs and plays with world-class musicians who share his drive and det-ermination to make music on his own terms, blending pop, rock, jazz and a myriad of other more diverse influences. Sideshows And Fairytales is never less than interesting and rarely treads the same musical ground twice evidenced by the stand out tracks 'Sting In The Tail' and 'Stare At The Sun', uplifting feelgood music from a true troubadour. Steve's past is equally chequered and like this record, never less than interesting either. He has studied both jazz and popular music and performing arts at college and was once offered music by Paul McCartney for his A-Level bass recital. His street cool is also preserved having once been refused entry to Holland on suspicion of being an IRA terrorist. A true recorded personification of wine, women and song. Good luck to him.

Reviewed in Fuse, UK

Wilson is the latest in a long line of clever singer/songwriter's in the pop vein. Folks like Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, Burt Bacharach, Sir Paul McCartney, Billy Bragg, John Hiatt, etc… Wilson evens looks a bit like a young Nick Lowe. Wilson 's band pours a lot of soul into the mix which makes this a winning recipe in my book. Very relaxed and unhurried blue eyed soul with loads of pop sensibility. Favorite track: the very Costello-ish 'Looking For An Idiot'.

Reviewed in Ear Candy by J.R. Oliver, UK

I really enjoyed Steve’s last album Steppin’ It Up A Notch especially ‘Hold On’ which was an absolute stunner of a song. Well, similarly I feel the best material on this album is where the band stretches out a bit. For example, on the 5:38 of ‘Wrap You Up’ with its passing resemblance to The Band’s ‘Whispering Pines’ and neat little guitar break from Jonny Burden. The 6 minute long ‘Hide’ is a very moving and soulful offering that has that stamp of class on it with Lemon Otter’s piano and harmony vocals and some propulsive drumming from Ady Milward contributing hugely to its success. Another case in point is the Brian Wilsonish 5:35 of ‘Grind’, a defiant song in the face of adversity that simmers along. But the band also makes its mark in shorter songs like the funky salutory tale ‘Don’t Forget The Bottom (When You’re Getting To The Top)’ with some heart warming sax from Clive Ashley. Also ‘Can I Be You’ has an early Beatles feel with Steve on harmonica and some nice ‘ooh la las’ from Lemon, definitely one of my favourite songs on the album.

The slow ballad ‘Wave Goodbye’ is distinguished by Robbie McIntosh’s nylon guitar playing, vocal harmonies from Lemon and Jess Upton and a blast of tenor sax from Clive near the end. ‘Everything’s Out Of Tune’ is a slow blues on which Steve’s Hammond underpins the song well and Jonny Burden and Robbie McIntosh provide the guitars with Robbie taking a tasteful solo. 12 string guitars take the album out on The Byrds like ‘Sting In Her Tail’, a strong closer with the vocal harmonies working well
once again. The music of Steve Wilson continues to impress and ‘Sideshows and Fairytales’ is a triumph of soul and pop with a touch of venom in the lyrics and outstanding musical and vocal contributions from the band. Recommended.

Reviewed in Zeitgeist by Phil Jackson, UK

The music of Steve Wilson continues to impress and Sideshows And Fairytales is a triumph of soul and pop with a touch of venom in the lyrics and outstanding musical and vocal contributions from the band. iPod/ MP3 choices: 'Wrap You Up' (A passing resemblance to The Band’s ‘Whispering Pines’ , nice country feel and neat little guitar break from Jonny Burden), 'Can I Be You?' (An early Beatles feel with Steve on harmonica and some nice "ooh la las" from Lemon Otter), 'Hide' (A very moving and soulful offering that has that stamp of class on it with Lemon’s piano and harmony vocals and some propulsive drumming from Ady Milward).

Reviewed at Paradox One by Phil Jackson, UK