WIL
BURTON- "Rhymes and Reasons"
Vocalist/
acoustic guitarist Wil Burton has produced 9 songs on 'Rhymes and Reasons'
that are 'up close and personal'.
His vocal style reminds me a bit of James Taylor and the romanticism
of his music comes across strongly in Wil's lyrics.
He is ably assisted by a very restrained Rick Ray on acoustic lead,
electric guitar and bass and Paul Geltch of The Rick Ray Band on drums.
Two songs stand out, the opener 'The Way It Goes' (If only it were longer!)
and the intensely moving 'The Greatest Pain'. Other high points are
'Place in My Heart' with a great little country rock guitar line from
Rick and the charming 5 minute closer 'Inside of You'.
Recommended. Contact: www.wburton.com
(Phil Jackson) musician
and reviewer
THE SHAPE OF THE RAIN - "The Shape of the Rain"
From
the opening bars of 'Broken Man' you know you're in for a treat on this
collection of recordings from 1966-73. As we move from 1967 to 1973's
'I Don't Need Nobody' mono changes to stereo and already classic 1960s
influences are in evidence. The next two tracks are very melodic bringing
to mind The Moody Blues and The Hollies respectively, a bit heavier
perhaps in the driving rhythm section of Pete Dolan and Nip Healey and
the incisive guitar lines of Keith and Len Riley and Brian Wood (12-string,
slide and pedal steel guitar are all used). The American West Coast
and British psychedelic influences cited in Keith Riley's sleeve notes
become evident on 'Hallelujah' from 1971. The psychedelic feel continues
on 'Hello 503' with its sci-fi theme of depersonalisation and Dalek
voice warning us that in the year 2053 "People will become numbers,
numbers will become people". This was recorded at Abbey Road in
1969 and was engineered by Geoff Emerick famous for his work with The
Beatles.
The sound quality is fine so far. Understandably it takes a slight dip
on the 1966 track 'I Doubt If I Ever Will' but this does not mar the
enjoyment of a great 'boogie rock' track with a psychedelic interlude
(and equal as with most of this material to anything produced at that
time.)
There are many psychedelic gems here as well as a 'tip of the hat' to
The Kinks on 'Advertising Man' from 1966 and The Average White Band
in 1972's 'It's So Good Here'.
The Shape of the Rain wears its influences very much on its collective
sleeves but there is no hint of plagiarism here just 19 solidly constructed,
well played and hugely infectious and enjoyable songs. (Even the rehearsal
tracks are well worth including.)
Congratulations to HiNote for uncovering these forgotten gems and packaging
them so well.
The Shape of the Rain were 'always the bridesmaids' supporting the likes
of Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Free, Fleetwood Mac, Joe Cocker and Love
(a big influence on them as you can hear)
It's a pity they didn't get a 'break' at the time and stick at it because
within these tracks there is a classic '60's' album lurking.
Highly recommended.
Contact: www.hinotemusic.com
(Background HBG 123/14 CD)
(Phil Jackson) musician
and reviewer
HOSTSONATEN - "Springsong"
What
can I say about this recording? Just how many synonyms do you know for
'beautiful' and 'breathtaking'?
Even the packaging is quite the most lavish and artistic I've seen for
a long time- paperbound with 10 cards depicting images from 'The Bible
of Borso D'Este'.
Hostsonaten, the name of an Ingrid Bergman movie, is the 'brainchild'
of Finisterre founder member Fabio Zuffanti who is the 12-string guitar
and bass player of the 'open' group which comprises former Finisterre
members and 'some very talented musicians who normally approach rock
music in a different way' (I wouldn't disagree with that 'press release'
description!)
Other instruments used include flute, violin, piano, mellotron, moog,
organ,stringsynth, electric, acoustic and classical guitars, whistles,
soprano sax, recorder, derbouka, e-bow and ziff- is that enough to whet
your appetite?
What is produced is a rich tapestry of sound that calms the senses and
is deeply inspirational with its connections to folk, jazz, progressive
rock and Mother Nature of course!
"The music runs like a river, giving life to both the human spirit
and to the land on which it flows. Individual moments melt into one,
forging together and, in the final celebration, (the astounding 13 minute
suite 'Toward the Sea') find their reason for being: intense passion,
the release of life-giving energy, a union which celebrates rebirth
and spring."
'Springsong' is an inspired and brilliant work and an essential purchase
for lovers of mellow instrumental progressive rock.
Contact: www.sublimelabel.com
(Sublime I-122001) (Phil Jackson) musician
and reviewer
Moonbabies
- Standing On The Roof E.P. (A Bouncing Space 7" )
Its
been 2 years now since "June and Novas" was recorded, and
they've been long and lonely. Thankfully, the time has been well spent
for this record is delicious. One could salivate over the grooves, its
so tasty. For our delectation there is one song (“Over My Head”)
from their upcoming second full length and three more songs that are
exclusive to the EP. An interesting addition to the pastoral Moonabies
sound is the utilisation of field recordings, which in the wrong hands
can be loathsome (you know who you are), but here add texture and atmosphere.
As always the vocals are beautifully realised, and it makes you realise
how much you've missed the Moonbabies.
In
an attempt tomake this a fully rounded physical and aural pleasure,
this is a heavy duty limited edition vinyl release with the jackets
being printed on very heavy recycled chipboard, which means that due
to the nature of the printing process, no two jackets are the same.
There are five different colors of vinyl to choose from, and the colours
were custom mixed with experimentation in mind, so don’t expect
your standard issue vinyl colors. In fact, mine is very similar to the
Wildhearts "Welcome To Shitsville" issue.
If
you can still get it, grab it.
http://www.moonbabiesuniverse.com/
webmaster@moonbabiesuniverse.com
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