Listen Here – Out Now!
The soulful strums of Americana and easy-listening are back as Cousti, the seasoned songwriting project led by the 75-year-old musical storyteller, unveiled their third album, ‘back to back‘, on the 26th of May, 2025. This deeply personal record, recorded with a trusted ensemble of musicians and polished at the renowned Maybank Studios in Glasgow, promises to resonate with listeners through its raw emotion and wisdom.
The album’s creation was a labor of love, with musicians who have collaborated with Cousti on previous works recording their parts from home before converging at Maybank Studios, a Glasgow institution celebrated for nearly three decades of exceptional soundcraft. There, all vocals were captured, and the album was meticulously edited, mixed, and mastered. The result is a collection of songs that weave together the tender threads of Cousti’s life experiences, with many tracks inspired by the profound loss of his wife in 2019. She was his unwavering champion throughout his musical journey, and this album follows his second release, …nobody else but you, which he dedicated to her memory. Cousti’s songwriting remains rooted in personal reflection, drawing from life’s highs and lows, offering listeners a chance to find their own stories within his words.
Cousti’s journey began later in life, blossoming in his late forties when he teamed up with a songwriting partner to form the band. Their debut album, strings to tracks (2011), earned praise from industry heavyweights like Bob Harris of Old Grey Whistle Test and Alan McGee of Creation Records, both of whom appeared in the music video for See Sweetest Tunes on YouTube. McGee lauded the project, saying: “age doesn’t matter when the songs are absolute top drawer quality.” Radio Clyde’s Billy Sloan echoed the sentiment:”great songs well played and sung, what more can you ask for.” The album’s success led to multiple performances at the Belladrum festival, where Cousti became a fan favourite.
After a brief hiatus, Cousti returned to the studio three years ago to craft …nobody else but you, blending familiar faces from the band with other talented musicians. Now, with back to back, Cousti and longtime guitarist Matt Morrow, alongside their trusted crew, have created an album that captures the essence of their collaborative spirit. While Cousti has semi-retired from regular gigging to focus on songwriting, he and Morrow still perform as a duo or reunite with the full band for special occasions and recording sessions.
Influences
Beatles, Van Morrison
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