The Nelson Brothers third album Places in the Heart is released on November 2nd through Proper Music. Available from record stores, iTunes or the shop on this website.

Maverick Magazine - September 2009
Nelson Brothers
PLACES IN THE HEART
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Roots and a whole lot more

The Nelsons established their place in the London roots scene back in 1993 with their album HOMETOWN. The gravel-voiced, guitar-jangling (yes, with a hint of Knopfler) country and rock was quite hypnotic yet, 16 years later, this is the follow-up. ln the past couple of years the pair, Simon and Steve, have been working with Hollywood and TV actress Elizabeth McGovern, crafting her band Sadie and the Hot Heads and, in fact, the Hot Heads (minus Elizabeth) is the line-up here.

The old Nelsons sound is recognisable but now with a hint of jazz, almost a lounge version of country-swing, double bass throbbing amid echoing keyboards and driven softly but firmly by former Goldfrapp drummer Rowan Oliver.

Still to the fore are Steve's vocals and Simon's twanging guitar, both benefiting from the tight, reflective backing. There are a host of good songs... the superb, Brel-tinged Song Of Frankenstein, the soulful Walking My Baby Back Home, and the swing of Monkey On My Back. An impressive record which takes roots music off in a new direction.

Nick Dalton.
www.nelsonbrothers.co.uk

The Nelson Brothers lost second album, recorded in 1995, was found in a skip outside a West London studio by the producer.

The old two inch tapes were baked in an oven and transferred on to ProTools sessions by fx rentals.

Terl Bryant has re-played the drums.

The lead vocal is going to be re-recorded and the album finally mixed... 12 years late.