Deep Water

Ellen Smith, shot through the heart; Frankie Silver, who killed her abusive husband with his own gun and then dismembered him; and Omie Wise, seduced and drowned by a wealthy young man. Three folk songs from North Carolina inspired John Allemeier (b. 1970) and choreographer E.E. Balcos to create a darkly lyrical trio of chamber works that together make a single piece of dance theatre. This is vivid music that doesn’t need to be seen to be believed.

Just because nothing on banjo/guitar master Tony Furtado's 14th album couldn't have been included on his last half dozen doesn't make it any less enjoyable or edgy. Deep Water is another predominantly low-key yet never easygoing set of ballads and midtempo folk-rockers, with an emphasis on folk. The tracks are a little shorter and tighter this time, yet nonetheless sizzle like a dry fuse threatening to detonate its bomb. Most never do – however, the anticipation creates tension that fuels this darkly tuneful music. Vocals aren't Furtado's strong suit, yet he sounds loose and comfortable, applying his dusky, five-o'clock-shadow voice to songs that make the most of his less-is-more singing and deceptively intricate guitar and banjo work.

The Beatles loved Grapefruit so much that they signed them to their Apple Music Publishing Company. John Lennon even suggested the band’s name. George Alexander (the brother of George Young of The Easybeats) was the leader, joined by John Perry and brothers Pete and Geoff Swettenham, formerly of Tony Rivers & The Castaways. The fruity ones enjoyed a hit single with ‘Dear Delilah’ in 1968 and released debut album ‘Around Grapefruit’, acclaimed for its orchestral arrangements and vocal harmonies. ‘Deep Water’, Grapefruit’s second album, was released in 1969 and marked a seismic switch towards soul, rock and country influences. We have added six bonus tracks to the original album, including four single versions plus two other recordings.