Review – England Green & England Grey FATEA Magazine John Knighton

Reg Meuross
Album: England Green & England Grey
Label: Hatsongs
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.regmeuross.com/
“It was only last year when I had the pleasure of hosting a concert in Bedale, North Yorkshire featuring as quietly spoken singer-songwriter called Reg Meuross.

And what a concert. Sublime songs from start to finish. A consummate storyteller who held the audience in raptures. So it was with a tinge of excitement (quite a rare thing these days…) I received Reg’s latest offering.

It has been said that Reg Meuross is one of England’s finest songwriters who deserves wider exposure. I have to agree.

This album is packed with gems. From the jaunty opener What Would William Morris Say we are taken on a journey that introduces us to Tony Benn, John Bull, Cecil Sharp, political comment, dementia, the Titanic and the wonderful story of Flora Sandes – the only British woman to officially fight in the first world war.

The title track, a modern anthem for these times, packs a punch with its spiky commentary accompanied by a lilting tune:

“How can a man respect a man who steals his house and sells his land,
And takes the wages from his hand to pay his own expenses,
The NHS our England’s jewel is bartered by Westminster’s fool,
To justify his public school and military defences”

Throughout Reg is ably assisted by a wonderful supporting cast. Jess Vincent’s backing vocals and Phil Henry’s dobro shine through.

I particularly enjoyed Counting My Footsteps to You – a song which tries to make sense of dementia – a subject close to mine and many other’s hearts – a simple DADGAD arrangement allows the poignant words to resonate.

The closing track tells the story of Flora Sandes, a St John’s Ambulance volunteer who travelled to Serbia and was enlisted in the Serbian Army.

It is great credit to Reg that he had me surfing the Net to find out more about Flora. A truly inspirational story.

It’s a shame the wonderful lyrics are not included with the CD. The packaging is minimal. But they are available on Reg’s website – www.regmeuross.com – and I heartily recommend you check them out. Here you will also find tips on how to play the songs.

A wonderful collection of songs that deserve to be heard across the land.

Most definitely recommended.”

John Knighton