Frank Jennings Syndicate – Me And My Guitar

Frank Jennings Syndicate – Me And My Guitar

Me And My Guitar is a classic British country album from the Frank Jennings Syndicate, showcasing the Reading-based group's warm, melodic approach to country music. Originally released in 1979 on Columbia, the 12-track LP combines traditional country influences with easy-listening appeal, Nashville-inspired arrangements and a distinctly British country character. Contemporary coverage described the group as an important example of the emerging British country scene.

The album's title track, Me And My Guitar, was particularly significant for the group. Written by Vincent Bibby, the song won the 1977 Opportunity Knocks Songwriters Contest and subsequently gave the Frank Jennings Syndicate their biggest taste of chart success. The single was released on EMI in January 1978, while the song continued to receive attention within the UK country market.

The group's music was rooted firmly in country, with the use of steel guitar and fiddle helping maintain a traditional country feel, while their accessible songwriting also appealed beyond the specialist country audience. Music Week highlighted the group's success in taking British country music beyond the established club scene and towards a wider audience.

Alongside the title track, Side A features The Devil Came Between Us, Bed Of Roses, How Great Thou Art, When You Finally Realise You're On Your Own and Everybody Needs A Rainbow. The combination of original country material, gospel influence and sentimental songwriting gives the first side a distinctly traditional feel.

Side B opens with Thibodeaux And His Cajun Band, introducing a touch of Cajun flavour before moving into Here I Am In Nashville, an affectionate nod towards the spiritual home of country music. Sunshine And Flowers, Southbound, Go Away Little Girl and I Believe In You complete a varied collection that balances country standards, ballads and accessible country-pop.

The album is particularly interesting for collectors of British country music, as Frank Jennings Syndicate were part of a generation of UK artists helping establish a home-grown country scene during the 1970s. The group subsequently recorded in Nashville, underlining their ambitions and their connection with the wider country music world.

For collectors of Frank Jennings Syndicate vinyl, 1970s country, British country and country rock, Me And My Guitar is a fascinating and often overlooked release. Recommended for fans of Don Williams, Glen Campbell, Jim Reeves, Tammy Wynette and classic country-pop, it offers a charming snapshot of Britain's own country music scene during the late 1970s.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Me And My Guitar
2. The Devil Came Between Us
3. Bed Of Roses
4. How Great Thou Art
5. When You Finally Realise You're On Your Own
6. Everybody Needs A Rainbow

Side B

1. Thibodeaux And His Cajun Band
2. Here I Am In Nashville
3. Sunshine And Flowers
4. Southbound
5. Go Away Little Girl
6. I Believe In You