Stupid Music

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With a name sounding more like an Accountants or Solicitors, CurtisKidby is a UK country duo comprising Steve J. Curtis and Bob Kidby. This album is very much a vanity project, with little chance of selling outside of a small circle of followers. It is a great pity, as this is homegrown country music at its very best. Songs reliably surge with country authenticity, mixing a convincing blend of old-style country with hints of western swing, honky-tonk and bluegrass. Along the way, you could easily be mistaken into thinking that this must come from the heartlands of America; some lost recordings from a circa 1970s Nashville studio. In fact, it was recorded in the rural wilds of deepest Suffolk, proving once and for all that great music comes from the soul and not from a geographical location. It is well-recorded and, not unlike the skilled players themselves, sounds absolutely inventive and professional. The tracks are all perfectly refined, with never a note out of place. Steve and Bob along with the studio players, give each track, in fact the entire album, what it needs to make the song complete and fulfilled. Filled with jangle-twangy hooks, stunning vocal melodies, and intricate guitar work that stands up proudly against some of their influences, these are potent original songs about real life, boldly stripped of all the glitz and pseudo-roots of modern country.

Both Steve and Bob are multi-instrumentalists; Steve (guitars; Dobro; pedal steel; mandolin, bass and lead vocals); Bob (acoustic guitar; B3, harmonica and backing vocals). They are joined by Dave Jackson (drums); David Battiscombe (bass); Jake Rodrigues (accordion); Greg Cook (piano); Anthony Shiels (piano); M F Nichols (ocarina; recorder); Mary Jane Tyrrell, Graham Osbourne and Glenn Holman (backing vocals). Mention should also be made of Steve J Curtis’ guitar work. There are many guitar players that are good and many that are functional, but there are very few that can iron out a style of their very own. A top-notch player and a singer with a very distinct voice, he flexes his muscles with a determination and conviction that many international players would kill to possess.

The delicate arrangement of Understanding builds on a dreamy palette and gentle sound, blending melodic guitar to twinkling mandolin, soothing recorder and soft Dobro notes for a deft hybrid of compassion and melancholy front and centre. When We Both Meet is best enjoyed with a beer and a sticky barroom floor, as Steve croons one of those classic country lines: ‘The fire still burns when we both meet.’ With its groovy honky-tonk licks and heartfelt vocals, this is old-school country at its very best and should have Jones, Haggard and Tillis smiling broadly way up yonder. Sounding a little like Hoyt Axton, Grandpa’s Hands, is a stirring listening experience that transports you back to the good ol’ days as jangly guitars cascade sparklingly through this tale of passing the legacy of a music career down to a talented grandson. This has a catchy hook and memorable country rhythm that would fit right in on a 1970’s Best From The Opry vinyl album collection. 

This pair will absolutely charm you with the strange humour and cleverness of their lyrics. In true tongue-in-cheek fashion, the title song is a glorious meeting of homegrown, down-to-earth British humour and an American rural country setting. The song mixes the realm of strummy commentary alongside deliciously melodic writing that ruminates with unbridled playfulness. The propulsive, defiant and bittersweet Time To Say Goodbye, is a great kiss-off to a cheating partner that pulls few punches. The angry and lively action of this break-up story inspires the musicians to pull out all the stops with lively bass lines, crunchy guitars and punchy accordion. Solid melodic country-rock, as the studio guys kick ass, and slaying lyrically as these dudes have a way with words that will make you both nod and smile, then laugh out loud the second, third and fourth time around. It maintains a modern groove and creative sound that will have a new generation of music lovers dancing and smiling along. And that’s mighty good in my book.

https://stevejcurtis.bandcamp.com

July 2026