Stuart Pearson Wright

Lonesome Stu and the Gearshifters

Whilst creating the paintings that formed the 2010 Riflemaker exhibition I Remember You, it began to dawn on Stuart that a soundtrack was required to accompany the paintings. The aesthetic of the work lent itself to songs played on a scratchy old record player. Stuart isn’t by any means a musician but does dabble with a ukulele and has always enjoyed a hearty yodel so without further ado he began to plan the recording of a country and western vinyl album. Long-time friend, talented musician and producer Guy Connelly of Clock Opera, came on board to produce the record and also played many instruments. Stuart’s cousin Jim who appears in a number of Stuart’s paintings (including Buddies in the Saddle) played guitar. Susie Honeyman of the Mekons played violin and a friend of Stuart’s called Chris Snelson played tuba. The songs were recorded in Stuart’s studio over several weeks and then mixed by Guy. Gamblin Barroom Blues required the help of several further singers who all repaired to the studio after an evening at the pub to record the choruses for that song. 

To listen to songs from the album please click on the icons above or visit the SoundCloud page here.