A songster is something like a predecessor of the bluesman, with one important difference: He doesn't just play the blues, but anything he wants – and that's exactly what Michael van Merwyk does on his new album "Songster." The guitarist and singer has taken on 15 songs, for whom genre boundaries are irrelevant. David Bowie, Judas Priest, Depeche Mode, traditional folk songs from past centuries: Michael van Merwyk casually translates everything into his own musical dialect.
He reduces the fully produced originals to gnarly acoustic versions: not a note too much or too little in the sparse arrangements. Dr. John or Johnny Cash singing songs by Iron Maiden and The Clash, with John Lee Hooker or Blind Willie Johnson on guitar: that's what it could sound like - a little offbeat, but fun. Michael van Merwyk developed his style where songsters usually find themselves: on the road. "I was taught by pubs, clubs, and parties. I've been singing songs and telling stories for almost 35 years. I mostly play my own compositions, but also those of other musicians in my own unique versions. A good song is a good song." Recorded live in Bielefeld's Watt Matters Studio: no headphones, no tricks. This has an impact and creates a feeling of closeness. With your eyes closed, you feel like you're sitting among the musicians. With his dark voice, Michael van Merwyk gets everything out of the songs: He sings “Breaking The Law” octaves lower than Rob Halford of Judas Priest - but at least as expressively.
"Songster" begins, we hear Steve Baker's yearning harp, the dobro joins in, and we're right in the middle of Bowie's "Heroes" – an incredibly soulful version of the masterpiece. "Should I Stay or Should I Go" is more relaxed than The Clash's, but has the same drive thanks to minimalist accompaniment from drummer Micha Maas and Klaas Wendling on double bass. Even solo, Michael van Merwyk delivers full energy: Here's an experienced live performer who knows how to get people out of their seats on his own. Songsters like Mississippi John Hurt, Big Bill Broonzy, and Lead Belly played for every audience and had the right sound for every situation. Michael van Merwyk follows in their tradition: He plays for blues listeners, at singer/songwriter festivals, and in bars, varying his repertoire as he pleases. Nothing here is over-the-top or optimized. This is about the music - and bringing it to the people.
1 Heroes
2. Breaking The Law
3. Bank robbers
4. Kisses Sweeter Than Wine
5. Get It On
6. Black Is The Color
7. Love Will Tears Us Apart
8. You've Got Another Thing Coming
9. Personal Jesus
