Graham Hudspeth

xThe multi-talented multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Graham Hudspeth, long a figure in the Bowling Green music scene, has added to his reputation and his record of versatility. Described as “a good starting point to network with the area’s talent,” Hudspeth has self-released a new CD A Yank and a Prod, a folk/Celtic infused effort that is full of ease and beauty yet retaining a spirited spark.

Hudspeth, featured on the cover of the January 2005 issue, has indeed come a long way since his garage band days of the ’70s. While versed in classic rock, Hudspeth has tied it with his explorations of Celtic forms and folk music in general. He performs with Jack Montgomery as the duo Shadowdancer, whose music has gotten notice as far away as Wales. Graham was interviewed via phone March 20 on Vicky’s Night Moves on 96.9 FM in Manchester, England, where his A Yank and a Prod was discussed and played in part. He also had the title track “A Yank and a Prod (American Protestant)” played March 18 on Barren River Breakdown on WKYU-FM.

With Hudspeth’s reputation as a mainstay in the area music scene, it’s no surprise that the personnel on A Yank and a Prod are a who’s who of the Bowling Green musician community: Skip Cleavinger, Chris Carmichael, Marc Owens, Curtis Burch, Ruth Burch, Byron House, Deen Collier, David Surface, Jack Montgomery, Randy Goodman, Mark Keen, and Tom Shultz. The album was produced by Graham Hudspeth, Marc Owens, and Chris Carmichael and recorded at High Street Studio.

While the CD is varied in its sonic palate, the core elements that stand out are Hudspeth’s strong, resonate vocals and solid playing on acoustic guitar and bouzouki; the air-filling whistle and Uilleann pipe work by Skip Cleavinger; and exquisite string arrangements performed by Chris Carmichael. Most tracks were written by Hudspeth, with some collaborations with David Surface, Randy Goodman, or Mark Keen. The short but telling “A Yank and a Prod (American Protestant)” provokes thought as the subject is mistaken for both a “prod” (Protestant) and Irish (presumably Catholic) in different verses over whistle, bodhran, and violin; Hudspeth used the story to look at “�bout how we fit in” and the commonalities in disagreeing people who are human underneath. The tale of King Richard “Crusader” is mesmerizing with Hudspeth’s spirited performance and Cleavinger’s wind instrumentation making this track ride the line between folk and progressive rock.

In addition to his compositions and collaborations, Hudspeth takes on traditional tunes with a loving touch. Witness his reading of “Carrickfergus” with its rich pipes, violin, acoustic guitar and bouzouki and Ruth Burch’s harmony vocal locking together. On the instrumental “Rakish Paddy,” the jangle of Hudspeth’s guitar and bouzouki served as a fertile bed upon which Skip Cleavinger’s lively Uilleann pipes danced. “Lollipop Man” is a sedately breezy gem, with Cleavinger’s nifty low whistle playing against Hudspeth’s acoustic guitar work, with Curtis Burch taking a turn at the melody on Wolfe resophonic guitar. When the listener gets to the Emerson Lake and Palmer classic “Lucky Man,” it feels a natural part of this recording, with pipes, whistle, bouzouki, Hudspeth’s commanding vocals, and Marc Owens just as dominant on the backbeat.

From beauteous gems like the instrumental “Her Lovely Hair is Flowing Down Her Back” to the more contemporary “Running for the Sun,” Graham Hudspeth has captured a sound rich in Celtic influence with present-day aspects seamlessly incorporated. The result is most enjoyable to listen to. Check the usual CD outlets in Bowling Green for this disc, along with places like Nutrition Center; it’s also available on CD Baby and through www.myspace.com/grahamhudspeth or by writing to P. O. Box 188, Alvaton, KY 42122.

� Don Thomason is a freelance writer, songwriter and performing musician living in Dunbar. www.geocities.com/donethos � www.myspace.com/donthomasonmusic