Rather than labelling his latest single a country song, Ker stresses that this is a song of the country. Subtle difference. (And at least he didn’t call it Americana, which seems the go-to rebrand of every other roots and folk artist these days.)
“Big Boots and Wide Brimmed Hats” is a tribute to a specific place, namely, the North West of Montana, a place that took Ker to their heart and encouraged his songwriting, the title referring, presumably, to the region’s natural workwear rather than the fashion accessories it seems to have become for the roots musician.
Its a simple song, and by that I mean elegant, doing only as much as it needs to, a beat and an acoustic guitar, a voice and a chiming electric melody, embracing a less-is-more blend of subtly American sonics and recognisable British folk stylings…a universal song even…perhaps this is what we should be calling world music music that crosses boundaries and is accessible and acceptible in which ever country or culture you might find it.
This thank you to the people of that great state is the fourth single taken from Ker’s forthcoming album, Converging Thoughts, and when taken with the previous releases, such as the delicate and similarly elemental “Wondering on Giants”, acts as the perfect calling card for a new and exciting, yet deft and understated folk voice on the scene.
