STYLE: Roots/Acoustic RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 18581- LABEL: Philo 1186 FORMAT: CD Album
Reviewed by Tony May
'Roots' seemed the safest classification for this flexible, many-sided music maker. Could have said 'jazz', 'cos there's plenty of jazz-like improvisation and flights of creativity going on in there. Then there's the 'folk' aspect of the music, with some sweet 'n gentle acoustic work. Here's a man who with just his voice and guitar can fill an auditorium with a dynamic presence and communication. The impression is of an updated Richie Havens, if you remember that great artist. The several backing musicians here know their place and fill it with rich topping. The artist's songs require the swift donning of the thinking cap, "Outside Looking In" being a picturesque example of his art. "Jenny And The Tower" is a very striking picture-story a la Harry Chapin and "Dear Amelia" is a very touching song of the sort that Larry Norman excels at. Hope I've conveyed that this is an unusually complex talent with much to play and much to say. Something a little different for you
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