Leonard Cohen inspired cover of The Cloud Funder’s beautiful song. Check out his original! https://on.soundcloud.com/QZrf7v1tSz9zFjXz8

But Is It Art? Redux (The Cloud Funder cover)

"You don't sound like anyone else," said Danny Thompson - renowned bass player for Nick Drake and Joe Strummer - about English musician Conil.

The GRAMMY-winning engineer for Tom Waits and Elvis Costello, Tchad Blake said: "Strange Part of the Country is an awesome album! I still listen to it."

Fleetwood Mac legend Peter Green liked Conil's music so much he stopped by Conil’s house to record with him. They recorded a version of Conil's homage to the jazz greats "Round Midnight". 

Strange Part of the Country never conformed to any current trends and has remained timeless. Now, people are discovering this album and it is becoming an all-time favourite. 

When the album was released in the UK, it received some amazing press. Britain's biggest selling music monthly Q magazine gave it: "Four stars - Q Recommends". Blues Matters magazine wrote: "One of the most original artists out there". In the next issue, Blues Matters put him on the front cover.

Conil left London after Strange Part of the Country was released and has spent the last ten years living in the United States and Europe - including New Orleans, New York City, and Berlin.

Songs from the edge of somewhere.
You don’t know if you’re walking into a protest, a party, or a funeral.
Bluesy, soulful rock’n’roll.
Haunted, deep and raw. 
The kind of raw you can’t fake.

“You don’t sound like anyone else,” said Danny Thompson - legendary bassist for Nick Drake and Joe Strummer - about English producer Conil.

Tchad Blake, sonic architect for Tom Waits and Elvis Costello, agreed: “Strange Part of the Country is an amazing album. I still listen to it.”

Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green was also a fan, making a rare visit to Conil’s studio to record a mellow take on “Woke Up Around Midnight,” his smoky tribute to the jazz greats.

Conil’s distinct sound has drawn praise from Marc Ribot, Davey Graham, Pino Palladino, and John Leckie - artists and producers known for recognising the real thing when they hear it.

Upon release, Strange Part of the Country made quiet but lasting waves. Q Magazine gave it four stars and a Q Recommends stamp. Blues Matters Magazine put Conil on the cover, calling him “one of the most original artists out there.” In the U.S., “Years Between” climbed to number three on the Alternative Radio Chart.

Raised in England on the Rolling Stones, the Velvet Underground, and Tom Waits, Conil later lived in some of the world’s most musically charged cities - New Orleans, New York, Chicago, Austin and Berlin - chasing sound wherever he went.

That began early. He travelled far, met the Dalai Lama, climbed Kilimanjaro, and crossed the Himalayas - experiences that shaped his perspective and his music.

He is now finishing his long-awaited second album - recorded in New Orleans, Chicago, London and Greece - with Danny Thompson, Tchad Blake and more.

But Is It Art? Redux (The Cloud Funder cover)

Mike Mann