On February 2, Bedsit Poets released their new album “All Roads Lead Me Back” on February 2, 2024. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
This duo is made up of recording artists Edward “Ed” Rogers and Amanda Thorpe, whose songwriting partnership has yielded two seminal albums. They collaborated on this musical effort with long-time producer Don Piper.
Bedsit Poets’ band for this record features a distinct cast of other prolific players known to be among the best in show, including James Mastro on guitar (Ian Hunter, The Bongos, John Cale), Sal Maida on bass (Roxy Music, Sparks) and Konrad Meissner on Drums (Silos, Graham Parker) and the record also includes superb guest parts from Joe McGinty (Psychedelic Furs, Ronnie Spector), Tony Scherr (Bill Frisell, Sex Mob, Laurie Anderson), Mac Randall and Yair Schleider.
The album opens with the midtempo yet stirring “Come See About Me,” and it immediately breaks into the poignant ballad “London Town” and “Pelican Club,” which has a catchy groove to it.
It is followed by the melodically-stunning Scarecrow, where Thorpe’s lilting vocals are reminiscent of Mary Chapin Carpenter. The same holds true for the infectious “Shadows Into Ashes,” where Rogers and Thorpe’s resonant voices blends well together.
With this collection, Bedsit Poets are able to take their listeners on a musical voyage through time. It has a retro late ’60s and early ’70s feel to it, and they are able to evoke raw emotions with their storytelling. Their harmonies throughout this record are simply glorious. Amanda Thorpe emerges as a modern day Emmylou Harris meets Toni Tennille of Captain & Tenille, thus proving that Thorpe is a true song stylist.
After the smooth “Never Had the Chance,” it closes with “The Ragpicker” and on a fitting note with the atmospheric “December My Dear,” where the listener can slightly recall Judy Collins.
Grab a bottle of wine and allow Bedsit Poets lure you in. It encompasses elements of indie, pop-rock, folk, country, jazz, Americana, and adult contemporary.
Bedsit Poets have also announced two record release shows in support of “All Roads Lead Me Back.” The first will be on Wednesday, February 21st at New York City’s The Bowery Electric, and the second will be on Thursday, March 28th at London’s The Betsey Trotwood.
