The Good Intentions

British Country Music Association Awards - 23rd October - The Good Intentiosn nominated for Britsh Americana Act of the Year - ish Country Music Awards

A famous quote says that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but the opposite is true for the Liverpool band members who named themselves The Good Intentions who have the sound of modest angels sent from heaven to bestow beautiful music to the world. In most cases, praise like this would be over-the-top and undeserved, but no so here. The Good Intentions begin the album with the quiet but masterful folk track "Gone So Long," which will have Americana radio program managers squealing with delight. The elegant production and laid-back cut will perfectly suit folk and Americana radio and could find country fans as well.

The first thing that needs to be understood about The Good Intentions is that the band is not flashy and does not screech or get too excited. However, the music - like the second song "Black Train" - is infectious. "Black Train" has a bluegrass and folk sound that is upbeat - but not too fast. In short, it's just right.

The ever-tasteful band The Good Intentions push the envelope slightly with the remarkably memorable (and hummable) "Everybody Loves A Drinking Man," which could be a hit on both on BBC Radio 2 in the UK and a few different Americana and folk channels on Sirius XM in the USA.

The dark "Coal Miner's Lament" is sung with reverence, and the track provides evidence of the band's musical heroes, such as Gillian Welch. The best song on the album is the fast-paced "The Cold Wind," which is a surprise featuring superb instrumentation and excellent vocal performance skills.

The sixth song, "Dark Stranger," arrives at the album's midpoint and will have folk fans rejoicing. The track showcases The Good Intentions beautiful vocal harmonies. "Oh My Darling" has much of the same charm, and listeners will get lost in the euphoric feeling in their hearts as the music helps conjure up memories of the past as they sing of "springtime."

The album takes on a more serious tone with "Lonely Train," and the imagery created by the lyrics paints a vivid picture: "The bells from the wildwoods still chime down the line as I wait for the train." The theme of death again surfaces in a major way with "Send The Devil Back To Hell," which is a very slow and somber song that oozes sincerity. However, the intense lyrics and stark title could actually make the song a hit for either a heavy metal band or even a contemporary Christian rock band.This is only notable because well-written songs are artistic works that can be interpreted in various ways, and that's the case here.

Thankfully, sweeter sounds reemerge on the easy-going country song "Western Lullaby," which is well-served by its top-notch production, and the song could get radio action. The album ends perfectly with the folk track "The Sound Of Time Passing," which is a warm and fuzzy cut that leaves the listener full of hope and goodwill.

The album "Someone Else's Time" by The Good Intentions is a remarkably self-assured and confident album that deserves attention for its quiet but potent delivery. However, the powerful lyrics and melodic choruses will have you returning to the album time and time again. The Good Intentions talked about time passing in the final track, and country, folk and Americana aficionados should make sure that at least some of their time and "someone else's time" - like friends and family - is spent listening to this surprisingly accomplished and intellectually honest recording. CountryChart.com - Country Music

A famous quote says that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but the opposite is true for the Liverpool band members who named themselves The Good Intentions who have the sound of modest angels sent from heaven to bestow beautiful music to the world. In most cases, praise like this would be over-the-top and undeserved, but no so here. The Good Intentions begin the album with the quiet but masterful folk track "Gone So Long," which will have Americana radio program managers squealing with delight. The elegant production and laid-back cut will perfectly suit folk and Americana radio and could find country fans as well.

The first thing that needs to be understood about The Good Intentions is that the band is not flashy and does not screech or get too excited. However, the music - like the second song "Black Train" - is infectious. "Black Train" has a bluegrass and folk sound that is upbeat - but not too fast. In short, it's just right.

The ever-tasteful band The Good Intentions push the envelope slightly with the remarkably memorable (and hummable) "Everybody Loves A Drinking Man," which could be a hit on both on BBC Radio 2 in the UK and a few different Americana and folk channels on Sirius XM in the USA.

The dark "Coal Miner's Lament" is sung with reverence, and the track provides evidence of the band's musical heroes, such as Gillian Welch. The best song on the album is the fast-paced "The Cold Wind," which is a surprise featuring superb instrumentation and excellent vocal performance skills.

The sixth song, "Dark Stranger," arrives at the album's midpoint and will have folk fans rejoicing. The track showcases The Good Intentions beautiful vocal harmonies. "Oh My Darling" has much of the same charm, and listeners will get lost in the euphoric feeling in their hearts as the music helps conjure up memories of the past as they sing of "springtime."

The album takes on a more serious tone with "Lonely Train," and the imagery created by the lyrics paints a vivid picture: "The bells from the wildwoods still chime down the line as I wait for the train." The theme of death again surfaces in a major way with "Send The Devil Back To Hell," which is a very slow and somber song that oozes sincerity. However, the intense lyrics and stark title could actually make the song a hit for either a heavy metal band or even a contemporary Christian rock band.This is only notable because well-written songs are artistic works that can be interpreted in various ways, and that's the case here.

Thankfully, sweeter sounds reemerge on the easy-going country song "Western Lullaby," which is well-served by its top-notch production, and the song could get radio action. The album ends perfectly with the folk track "The Sound Of Time Passing," which is a warm and fuzzy cut that leaves the listener full of hope and goodwill.

The album "Someone Else's Time" by The Good Intentions is a remarkably self-assured and confident album that deserves attention for its quiet but potent delivery. However, the powerful lyrics and melodic choruses will have you returning to the album time and time again. The Good Intentions talked about time passing in the final track, and country, folk and Americana aficionados should make sure that at least some of their time and "someone else's time" - like friends and family - is spent listening to this surprisingly accomplished and intellectually honest recording. CountryChart.com - Country Music

the Good Intentions 'Someone else's Time' is No 20 on the Euro Americana Chart! - Euro Americana Chart

The Good Intentions
SOMEONE ELSE’S TIME
Boronda Records 0002
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Quality British country/Americana
There have been numerous UK acts that have tried to master Americana music with some kind of credibility over the past few years, but only a
handful has succeeded. You can add to this small minority Liverpool-based the Good Intentions. This three-piece has been together since 2003,
but as singers and musicians individually they have many years experience under their belts. And it shows in the quality of the songwriting, the
subtle, understated and inventive musical arrangements and the sheer quality of the lo-fi production. This is their second album and it was recorded
partly in Liverpool, Los Angeles and Nashville with production handled by veteran West Coast musician Rick Shea. The band comprises R. Peter
Davies (vocals, acoustic guitar), Gabrielle Monk (harmony vocals, autoharp) and Francesco Roskell (harmony vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo). They are augmented here by Shea
(acoustic guitar, pedal steel, mandolin, Dobro), David Jackson (doghouse bass, accordion), Dave Raven (drums), Bradley Kearns (fiddle) and Eric Brace (backing vocals).
The whole album has a low-key approach with softly strung acoustic instrumentation and gorgeous harmonies creating a sound that could perhaps best be described as contemporary Gram and Emmylou. The songs, all penned by Davies are of a uniformly high standard, which makes it difficult to pick out any highlights. This is one of those albums that gently washes over you, drawing you in and engulfing you in the overall vibe. From the opening Gone So Long a song of longing with a stunning arrangement and exquisite harmonies through to the honky-tonk of Everybody Loves A Drinking Man and the superb Lonely Train, a well-written yarn that involves the listener with haunting fiddle and atmospheric Dobro interplay. Send The Devil Back To Hell is a dark, gospel-flecked number with a bluegrass-flavoured arrangement featuring banjo, Dobro and
fiddle and powerfully understated vocals. This is a quality country album that ticks all the right boxes … don’t take my word for it, rush out and buy. You will be pleasantly knocked out by it from beginning to end. Alan Cackett
- MAVERICK MAGAZINE

Drenched in old Americana music, the good intentions bring on their second album again a collection of songs that dates back to the time of your ancestors.
Old – time music from bluegrass, hillbilly to plain folk songs are recorded for your pleasure on this album.

If you are a fan of Emmylou Harris or if you dig gram Parsons then you certainly will feel a weak spot for this album. And although this album sounds like a soundtrack for travelling the highways through the southern states the band originates from Liverpool in the UK. But you can’t deny it when listening to this recording that there is a lot of Nashville in it. Thanks to some recordings sessions in the US and with the help of some great musicians like Brantley Kearns, ( Dwight Yoakam) , David Jackson (with Emmylou Harris, John Denver), additional vocals from Erice Brace, and guitar, mandolin, and dobro from Rick Shea, who also produced the album the sound of the album is truly rich in many aspects. Take a good listen to tracks like “The cold wind”, “Everybody’s love a drinking man” or “Black train” and you know that this is a soundtrack for the old times.
- Billy Bop Magazine

MAVERICK FESTIVAL || 1st–3rd July 2011

Written by Louise Rodgers


I’m going to tell you a secret. Music festivals are rubbish. You have to remortgage to pay for a ticket, there’ll be other people there (and they’ll probably be wearing jester hats) and you can only drink whatever crappy beer they’re sponsored by (would you pay a fiver for a pint of Skol at home?). It’s also worth bearing in mind that you’re far more likely to return home with trench foot than a sun tan and worst of all (brace yourself) you might have to watch U2.

That’s why I’m going to break from tradition and do my final summary right here. I know I can be a bit of a tedious bore when I start talking about music (and there’s a lot to talk about) so here’s what I’m thinking – even if you don’t make it to the end of my magnificent octopus, as long as you make it through the next few paragraphs then my job here is done.

Here’s the nitty gritty: Maverick tickets cost around a quarter of what you might pay for some of the bigger festivals (and that includes camping). For that you get a huge (spotlessly tidy) campsite with static toilets in close proximity, which are clean and well maintained. There is heaps of choice when it comes to places to eat and great consideration has clearly been given to variety, which this year includes a creperie, burrito wagon, noodle bar, pizzeria, hog roast and all organic cafe amongst other things. The bar is well stocked with locally produced ales, lagers and ciders (there’s wine, water and soft drinks for the less adventurous) and a full English breakfast is available on Sunday morning. There are also various stalls and shops on site and there’s loads for the little ones to busy themselves with; indoor play areas, an adventure playground, face painting and of course the farm’s resident animals, which they’re invited to pet and learn all about. Anyone for ‘hug-a-bunny’?

Most importantly your ticket price will give you access to some of the brightest and most original musical talent on both sides of the Atlantic (around thirty artists appeared this year), all of whom make themselves available afterwards in the music store for signings and general chit chat. If that’s not enough you can get even more involved by participating in workshops and Q & A sessions with musicians.

If you’re still wondering if Maverick is worth a look then I feel bad for you because that means you’ve already missed out on four of the best weekends of your life. If you want incredible music in a clean, civilised, family and pet friendly environment and you don’t want to pay through the nose for the pleasure then there’s no doubt that this is the festival for you. However, if you’d prefer e-coli or a UTI and you’re one of those people to whom the Edge is a musician (and not a pizza), you can probably pick up some bogus Glasto tickets on ebay for the price of a beach front condo in Malibu

Here goes....
The party started at 17:00 on Friday 1st of July with all the evening’s entertainment taking place in the barn. Stompin’ Dave Allen opened the show, followed soon after by the Rejection (both are reviewed below after Saturday’s performances) but the weekend began for me with the formidable Dust Busters. This Brooklyn based three piece look fantastic – using their style to embody their sound and create a spirit of authenticity (further aided by the backdrop of wooden boards and hessian fabric the swooping of nesting swallows seemingly reacting to the music). They are an old time string band who blend a phenomenally eclectic array of influences to create a sound that is somehow so old and familiar and yet absolutely brand new. With three very different and yet perfectly complimentary voices, they employ banjo, guitar and violin to create their unique sound. They’re just great.

Rick Shea was the second performer of the evening, opening his show with a pretty, sentimental song that wouldn’t be out of place playing alongside the credits to a classic TV show. Rick is from California and performs with a confident self assuredness that speaks of experience. It’s a simple performance with just a guitar and vocals but there’s nothing lacking. His sound fills the room beautifully and with his lovely silky voice and knack for storytelling, Rick captivates his audience.

From Liverpool are the Good intentions. This is their third year at Maverick; having won the Going for a song contest two years ago (see Saturday for more information) they played their first full set at the festival last year. Joined on mandolin by Rick Shea (who also produced their album) and performing an exemplary collection of catchy, sweet, rootsy tunes with voices that blend together perfectly, they were the first artists of the weekend to fly the flag for British Americana and they did a sterling job.


- Americana UK

The Good Intentions "Poor Boy" (Boronda Records 2008)




Liverpool’s Sweethearts of the Rodeo

The Good Intentions consist of R.Peter Davies (lead vocals and guitar), Gabrielle Monk (vocals) and Frank Roskell (electric guitar and vocals), and whilst based in the UK this record oozes the influences of the Byrds, The Long Ryders and Neil Young (Harvest era).

It’s a quiet record with mandolin and pedal steel, combining with the trio's understated vocals and guitar plucking taking front stage. On songs such as ‘You Love Jimmy Rodgers’, ‘You Can’t Call It Country’ and ‘She’s In A George Jones Mood’ the band lay down their country template.

On the final track ‘From Liverpool To Nashville’ the band are looking back at their influences and looking forward to that trip to the home of country music, and on this evidence The Good Intentions will be welcomed with open arms there.

The GIs are from Liverpool and this is their debut CD, mainly recorded in Sack The Cat Studios in Liverpool. The songs were then sent over to California where Charlie McGovern from Boronda Records added further contributions from various studio musicians such as Mike Stinson, Rick Shea and Rob Douglas.

This record needs to be discovered by the likes Bob Harris (Country) to get more airplay that this stellar CD richly deserves. In a similar vein to the Rockingbirds who failed to make any real impact let’s wish The Good Intentions better luck.


Date review added: Saturday, January 17, 2009
Reviewer: andy riggs
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link: Artist Website





The Good Intentions "Poor Boy" (Boronda Records 2008)











- Americana UK

THE GOOD INTENTIONS – POOR BOY
5/5 REVIEWER - ANDY ZIEHLI

The Good Intentions are a fantastic English group of Americana/Country musicians who write and play real Country Music with steel guitars, autoharp, and real Country vocals. I got to hear R Peter Davies and Gabriele Monk at the Red Beet Records party in Nashville in September, and I was blown away. IN England the three members of the Good Intentions are – R Peter Davies vocal, guitar, Gabrielle Monk, vocal, and Frank Roskell, vocal, guitar. They recorded the CD in California with Rick Shea – guitar, dobro, pedal steel, mandolin, Rob Douglas- bass, and Mike Stinson – drums.
Their CD reminds me of how Country CDs used to sound when I was growing up. Davies and Monk harmonize like nobody’s business. The playing on this CD is top-notch! The song-writing is top notch, almost a no-depression style. If you like GillianWelch /David Rawlings, Johnny Iirons and Sara Guthrie, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris or Buddy and Julie Miller, you’ll love this CD.
Standout cuts include Poor Boy, Bonjour la Tristesse, You can’t call it Country and You had to Know. Davies’s voice is clear, and ever present on all the cuts, Monk is a fantastic harmony singer; you could say the English Emmylou Harris. Roskell’s guitar playing is fluid and precise.
I really like this CD! It is not trying to listen to nor is it over the top in production. Charlie McGovern did an excellent job capturing the true essence of the Good Intentions. It is a real treat listening to good songs sung by great people. The Good Intentions did a great job on this CD, I can’t wait for their next release.
- Sugar River Productions

The Sunday morning wind down began promptly and fittingly with the Good Intentions, last year's going for a song contest winners. With sweet, melodic vocals and pedal steel, mandolin and double bass, their sound is pure, plucky country and it's the ideal soundtrack on this sunny Sunday morning. In addition to their sound, the lyrics also help add to the authentic country mood ("even cowgirls get the blues etc") and it's all wonderfully mellow and nostalgic. You almost feel that you've been transported back in time. The good intentions have proved themselves deserving winners of the contest and there's no question that they belong on this stage.

- Americana UK online