Soon to be a visitor to our shores is Ron Pope and a taster for how special that trip might be comes in the shape of his single "In The Morning With The Coffee On". Built around appreciating a simple moment in the day, Ron manages to tell of how he and his wife got to where they are now and takes a moment to reflect at how blessed he feels.
The opening verses play out mainly against an acoustic guitar, there are the faintest appearances of a cello and some slight backing vocals, so delicate, they are almost ethereal but just prominent enough to catch the ear. Ron has a perfect storytellers voice which keep you engrossed, waiting on the next line. The lyrics tell the back story of how he and his wife have got to where they are now, and is a testament to love. The details enable the listener to build a little mental picture.
"There you were in Butte, Montana,
Big Sky angel on the run.
Then the mist off Allatoona,
Back in Georgia where you’re from.
We were two birds on the water,
Swimming circles in the sun.
I have loved you since my bones were young.
Who knew what we’d become?"
The chorus captures the beauty of what could be just a mundane everyday scene and gives it a real sense of importance. It is a chance to reflect at just how special life can be - a moment as Ron says to be cherished.. Just like the morning bursting into life, the band gradually make their presence known, gently adding some bass and percussion, easing their way in to match the early morning mood.
"In the morning with the coffee on,
Before the baby wakes.
See you sitting there in silence oh
Just waiting on the day.
I cherish every single moment,
Cause one day we’ll both be gone,
In the morning with the coffee on."
Latter verses see Ron's story played out, his devotion played out across every line.
"I stood trembling at the altar,
And my tears they ran so hot.
If I robbed a bank in Tucson,
You would fire the second shot.
I’ve been your partner in the sweetness,
I’ll be your partner in the grave.
I have watched you like a sunset,
Glowing orange above the waves."
By the second chorus the band has really kicked in and in the most sympathetic of ways, there is a joy and beauty to be had in the percussion and supporting cello. It is not sweetness all the way though and there is a telling moment of self awareness, which only adds to Ron's appreciation of the moment.
"I am sure it’s hard to love me,
But you don’t make it seem that way".
Ron's forthcoming album American Man, American Music, set for release on February 14, 2025, via Brooklyn Basement Records.
NEON AND GLASS WORLD TOUR DATES with Emily Scott Robinson
1/17/2025 - The Workmans Club - Dublin, IE*
1/18/2025 - The Black Box - Belfast, UK*
1/19/2025 - Drygate Brewery - Glasgow, UK*
1/20/2025 - Night & Day - Manchester, UK*
1/22/2025 - Paradiso (Upstairs) - Amsterdam, NL*
1/23/2025 - Hebebühne - Hamburg, DE*
1/25/2025 - Debaser Strand - Stockholm, SE*
1/26/2025 - Plan B - Malmö, SE*
1/28/2025 - Yuca Club - Cologne, DE*
1/30/2025 - The Garage - London, UK*