File Under Carnal Knowledge

2009 sophomore album from the Blues singer/songwriter. The album runs the full gamut of the styles Stuart himself likes listening to. From the delta-styled resonator-driven 'Here Be Monsters', through the Psychedelic Jazz Boogie of 'Nanny And the Fireship', all horns and fury. From the swampy hill Blues of 'The Past (Is a Strange Country)', to the Rockabilly skiffle of 'Hickicker Blues', all slap-back and spoons. From the lush balladry of 'Love Letters', to the stark traditional folk of 'The Deserter'. Stuart is possessed of a voice way beyond his years (still a man only in his early 30's) and a firm belief that Blues and Blues-based music is neither dead nor in need of stuffing in mothballs. While Tom Waits is often seen as an obvious influence, it is amusing to note that Stuart had somehow never heard Tom Waits until people started telling him he sounded a bit like him. Sun Pier.