Roots Music Report

Liner Notes:

About the Album

Returning to the fray after the release of her critically acclaimed second studio album Believe, the Black Country’s Rebecca Downes, released her eagerly anticipated third studio album, More Sinner Than Saint, on 24^th May 2019 through her own label, Mad Hat Records.   

With exciting new material that continues the evolution of the music towards rock, More Sinner Than Saint was worth the wait.  At the outset, Downes consulted with producer Chris Kimsey, who has previously worked with The Rolling Stones, to select and refine the 12 tracks and to achieve what she and co-writer Steve Birkett see as the perfect expression of their current writing. 

With five of the fabulous tracks having been mixed by Californian based Bill Drescher, whose previous accolades include working with Rick Springfield and The Bangles, Downes showcases her trademark powerful vocals throughout.  With the remainder of the tracks being mixed by Thunder’s Chris Childs, the pedigree of this album is faultless.

With her superb studio band that includes Dan Clark, Lloyd Daker and Magnum’s Rick Benton, there was no shortage of artists queuing to join her on the odd track or two.  The multi award winning Alan Nimmo (King King) plays guitar on If I Go To Sleep and Magnum’s Tony Clarkin delivers a fabulous guitar solo on Breathe Out.

Track List for More Sinner Than Saint

Take Me Higher +                                          

Chains Fall Down #                                       

Screaming Your Name #                               

Hurts +                                                           

Breathe Out +                                                                                                

Wave Them Goodbye +                                

More Sinner Than Saint #

If I Go To Sleep +

Stand On My Feet #

Big Sky +

In Reverse +

With Me #

+ Mixed by Thunder’s Chris Childs   

# Mixed by Bill Drescher

Special Thanks

This album has been developed over a long period with input and advice from amazing people with impressive track records in the business.  Once again, I thank all those who have contributed.

First, and most important, my co-songwriter Steve Birkett who works so hard to shape our ideas into multi-instrument demo tracks that paint real pictures of the songs.  Also, of course, for his consummate skill as a performer at our live gigs and for always being the best song-writing partner anyone could wish for.

Next Chris Kimsey, for his invaluable help honing the wealth of material that Steve and I write; choosing the special songs and giving us confidence in our own assessments. Thanks for helping us set out a path to an end product that absolutely delivers our initial vision.

Rick Benton, whose amazing work on the keys and Hammond adds new layers to the tracks in the recording studio and on stage.

Dan Clark, for delivering solid bass lines throughout the recording.

Lloyd Daker, still smiling, calm and reliable on stage and so good at delivering fantastic, ‘one take’ drumming in the studio.

Vincent John Yarrington, now a regular member of the gig band, for his superb bass work on stage.

The following perfomers who play regularly with the gig band - Nigel Darvill, Aidan Goldstraw and Chris Smith.

Mark V Stuart, for his consummate skills as a recording engineer, his amazing work on the road and for having faith in me from day one.

Sheena Sear, for her hard work alongside Mark and for her creative contribution to the arrangements of the tracks.

Colin Speller, who in addition to enormous amounts of work in the background and as tour organiser, roadie, merch man and personal manager, has been instrumental in building relationships with many of the people who are now helping us develop our music. And, most importantly, for always telling me the truth.

Ron Kramer, Ben Bernstein and Brian Panella of TriArts Partners LLP who have put a lot of time and effort into promoting the music in the USA as well as in giving us advice and direction.

Bill Drescher, for his brilliant mixing skills. Also, for being such a nice guy and welcoming us into his amazing home.

Chris Childs, for his equally brilliant mixing skills that he applied to the rest of the album tracks.

Ed Woods, for his expert mastering of the tracks.

Danny Bowes, for having the faith to help us, the honesty to tell it like it is and the willingness to introduce us to great people.

Lisa Barsdley, for bringing order and direction to the complex task of releasing a new album.

Sharon Chevin, for having the faith to apply her considerable PR skills to us as an emerging act.

My amazing parents, John and Brenda Downes, who really are my No. 1 fans and greatest supporters.

Those individuals who from time to time go the extra mile to help promote us, or get us gigs, or put us in touch with people to help us.  I thank John Tate in particular in this regard – my Angel Of The North.

Finally, and most importantly, I thank all those people who come to gigs, buy our music (by whatever means), buy our merchandise, recommend us to their friends, promote us on social media, vote for us in awards events, tell me how much the music means to them and generally make me feel all this is worthwhile.  This is why we do it - we do it for you.  I really hope youlike this - in my view it is the best work we’ve ever done, and there’s more to come in the future.

Keep Believing!

Rebecca xxx