Robbie McIntosh Fortuneswell

What does it sound like?:

The two albums by The Robbie McIntosh Band, released either side of the millennium, were critical records for me. Emotional Bends and Widescreen are brilliant examples of ‘less is more,’ in the Mark Knopfler camp of solo albums, and I still play them a lot. They helped to turn me onto lots of quieter, more gentle music, for which I will be forever grateful.

This new download-only release is for the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust which helps cancer patients in Dorset and, despite being billed as a solo album, it carries that same ‘less is more’ philosophy. Paul Beavis (drums) and Wix Wickens (accordion and piano) are back, and are aided by some wonderful musicians and singers. Robbie’s voice is in great form, in that quiet, storytelling way that he has, and his guitar playing is stellar, as you would expect.

Robbie writes about family and common ground and home and love, all subjects which speak to my heart, especially right now. The songs are mostly laid back and all have great melodies – three times round and I was humming along – and there is one instrumental, Downriver, which should be on every nature documentary or Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.

I cannot claim that this album will change the world, or will figure in anyone else’s Top 20 list, but it is a wonderful way to spend 47 minutes, relaxing, contemplating, drifting off.

I spent yesterday in the winter sunshine, in London, with this in my ears. I had just the best day.

These days, I don’t want much more.

What does it all *mean*?

It means that Robbie Mac has a new album and, for me, that is a reason to celebrate.

Goes well with…

A sunny afternoon, a hammock and a glass of your favourite beverage.

Release Date:

18th December 2021

Might suit people who like…

Mark Knopfler, J.J Cale, music to relax to.

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