Rupert Wates - Father to the Man

by Julie Cruickshank

published: 7 / 9 / 2025

Label: Chris Hludzik
Format: CD

Gorgeous new collection of songs from US-based British folk guitarist Rupert Wates.

Review

Rupert Wates has been a stalwart of the folk scene for over thirty years. Born in the UK and now based in the US, Wates’ recent acclaimed albums ‘For the People’ and ‘Elegies’ have won him a host of new admirers. His latest offering, ‘Father to the Man’ explores life as a father, and is dedicated to his young son Gabriel. Quoting the poet Wordsworth, ‘The child is the father to the man’, Wates also tells us: “All but one of the songs were written in DADGAD guitar tuning. I chose this tuning because of its chiming sound, but also because it contains the word DAD”. The album opens with ‘(Like a) Songbird in the Spring’, Wates’ signature deft fingerpicking crafting a song shot through with tenderness: “Like a songbird in the spring/Try your voice and let it ring…./The time will come to spread your wings and fly/And you’ll fly” sings Wates to his awakening child. Second track ‘The Fair’ whirls joyously like a merry-go-round, while the ballad ‘The Lady and the King’ reminds us that Wates is a master troubadour. ‘Them Bones’ Wates describes as a ‘nursery rhyme’ and this enjoyable track has the slight feel of a jazz improvisation. ‘Song of the Wayfarer’ makes full use of the guitar’s chiming DADGAD setting, conjuring up an atmosphere of “singing” waves pulling back and returning to shore: “Where the wind blows and the wave sings/ He’ll go a-journeying”. The haunting ‘April Morning’ is followed by ‘Courage’, Wates’ sonorous voice recalling the words of his father: “It takes courage to live it takes courage to learn/To give all we have for so little return”. ‘Change the World’ features truly impressive guitar work, driving on the song as it shimmers and sparkles. Title song ‘Father to the Man’ is poignant yet hopeful, a tribute to his son: “And you have been the father to the man/And I can see my way more clearly/When I lead you by the hand”. The album ends with ‘When the Song is Sung’, a dense, layered virtuoso performance from Wates’ skilful use of his Lowden guitar. ‘Father to the Man’ was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee and Dave Pomeroy contributed double bass. Rupert Wates plays around 120 live shows a year throughout the USA, Canada and Europe, and one listen to this album will convince the listener that he is a performer well worth seeing live.

Track Listing:-

1 (Like A) Songbird in The Spring
2 The Fair
3 The Lady And The King
4 Them Bones
5 Song Of The Wayfarer
6 April Morning
7 Courage
8 Deep Water
9 Nobody's Man (But Your Own)
10 Change The World
11 Father To The Man
12 When The Song Is Sung