Snuggling up and listening to Bobby Long's new album: 'A Winter Tale'

"So take away my conscious mind and take away my fame," (Lyrics in "A Winter Tale")

Driving on a road less traveled, I listen. Somber grey sweeps past me with glimpses of blue and I listen. Snow rolls over the hills and crows parade above and I listen. Dreams cascade before me and I listen. I hear the stories of “A Winter Tale.” Today, everywhere, is the launch of Bobby Long’s ATO Records new album, “A Winter Tale.” Produced by Liam Watson (White Stripes), “A Winter Tale” is soulful. Exquisite.

And who is Bobby Long? Those of you reading this surely already know. Newcomers reading this will be pleasantly surprised. You’re going to be seeing a lot of Bobby Long in the years to come. Hailing from Southwest England, singer-songwriter-guitarist Bobby Long has been a lover of American folk and blues music all his life. Currently residing in New York City, the 24-year old Bobby has been writing songs since taking up the guitar at age 17; from then on he’s been creating songs that will stand the test of time. Haunting. Dreaming. Poetry in motion. After Bobby relocated to London to attend London Metropolitan University where he studied Music in Film and wrote his thesis on TheSocial Impact of American Folk Music, he quickly established his talent on the London open mic circuit. In London he met new friends and a group of fellow musicians, among them Marcus Foster, with whom he wrote a song called “Let Me Sign,” and “on-the-brink-of-fame” Robert Pattinson, who sang the song in the 2008 blockbuster film Twilight. This opened many doors for Bobby, but it’s Bobby’s talent that’s launching him into his own “on-the-brink-of-fame” superstardom. Bobby is famous now, but just wait a couple of years.

For those of us who met Bobby when he first came to America in 2009 and played 160 shows in 7 months here in the U.S. and in 7 countries, we are Bobby’s friends. Pure and simple. We welcomed him with open arms and mushy hearts and remember him as a shy, sweet, lovable British lad who humbly slept on our floors, traveled in our cars, and ate our biscuits. We couldn’t be prouder of our friend with his debut, “A Winter Tale.”

I am one of the lucky ones. I received my pre-ordered vinyl LP and autographed CD in the mail last week, so I’ve been able to sit with it, dream with it, and get to know it intimately.  Longtime fans have heard Bobby play several of the songs featured on “A Winter Tale” at his live shows. His lyrics are brilliant – often shrouded in mystery – and echo that of an old soul who is wise beyond his 25 years. (Think of the poetry by Rumi or Leonard Cohen). Bobby’s raspy, raw voice has an edge to it that’s reminiscent of the greats: Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Delta Blues. On the new album, Bobby is accompanied by a scorching band that provides depth and musicality to all his songs. On some, he is accompanied by the great Nona Hendryx, Icelandic singer Lay Low and Maddy Reid Clarke who add beautiful harmonies.

In short, “A Winter Tale” is wonderful. It will make you want to know Bobby Long. You will want to sit in a dark, rustic coffee shop and watch him perform, and fall into his blue eyes and devilish smile and feel every note reverberate in your body. You will want to become the music.

Here’s the full track listing for A Winter Tale:

1. A Winter Tale
2. Who Have You Been Loving
3. The Bounty of Mary Jane
4. In the Frost
5. Sick Man Blues
6. Penance Fire Blues
7. A Passing Tale
8. Dead and Done
9. Being a Mockingbird
10. Two Years Old
11. A Stranger Song

And don’t forget, Bobby Long will be appearing on the Jay Leno Show on Thursday, February 3rd. You won’t want to miss it.

For more information about Bobby, his tours and new album, see:

www.BobbyLongInfo.com, www.musicBobbyLong.com, and Bobby’s MySpace page at: www.MySpace.com/BobbyLong.