ABOUT:  
Bobby Long and A Winter Tale~
British singer-songwriter-guitarist Bobby Long’s anticipated debut studio album A WINTER TALE, produced by Liam Watson (White Stripes) was released February 1st, 2011 on ATO Records. Currently residing in New York City, the 24-year old Long has been writing finely-crafted songs since taking up the guitar at age 17; from then on he’s been creating memorable songs inhabited by hauntingly poetic lyrics. After relocating to London from Wiltshire in the countryside of South West England, he became a fixture at London’s open-mic nights while attending London Metropolitan University where he studied Music in Film and wrote his thesis on The Social Impact of American Folk Music. He quickly established himself on the local open mic circuit, finding his voice and beginning to develop songs characterized by catchy melodies paired with elusive, imaginative lyrics. As Long became more entrenched in London’s burgeoning open mic circuit, he met actor and fellow musician Robert Pattinson, who would go on to sing “Let Me Sign” (co-written by Long and friend Marcus Foster) over a crucial dramatic scene in the blockbuster film Twilight. The inclusion of the song in the film’s soundtrack gave Long a head start on a legion of fans. It is Bobby Long’s intensely personal songs, vocal prowess, and heart-wrenching soulfulness that resonate with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, creating a loyal following through constant touring over the past two years. In 2009, Long played 160 shows in seven months in seven countries.

A WINTER TALE merges band power with acoustic rawness, featuring Nona Hendryx (LaBelle) on backing vocals on “Penance Fire Blues,” B. J. Cole (Elton John, Sting) on pedal steel, Icelandic singer Lay Low on several tracks, and other top-drawer musicians. And by way of continued extensive touring, Bobby Long will be bringing A WINTER TALE and what has been called his “tapestry of tales” to the ever-growing audiences seduced by his compelling voice, musicianship and charm.

MY THOUGHTS:
Initially I thought this was a little too “folksy” for me but after listening to it a second time the songs grew on me (which actually happens a lot with different types of music). The words began to really speak to me. I am a big fan of the song he wrote “Let Me Sign” that Robert Pattinson recorded for Twilight, so I had high expectations for this CD. His lyrics are definitely what makes his songs. His voice is distinctive and very unique. Bobby’s debut album will not disappoint.

Disclosure: I was given the opportunity to review Bobby Long A Winter’s Tale from ATO Records through Team Mom. I received Bobby Long’s A Winter Tale CD for review purposes only. I was not compensated to write a positive or favorable review. This is Keeping Up With The Rheinlander’s personal opinion.