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 Wilko
JohnsonBack in the night (The Best of...) Jungle Records Freud CD 078. Running time: 58.27. JUST under an hour with the inimitable Wilko and his band. It’s basically a “best of” with a few minor omissions, but otherwise a balanced mix of what Wilko does best - play guitar in his own unique way, and rock. OK, he can’t sing, but the music makes up for that, including the supreme bass playing of Norman Watt Roy. The seventeen tracks kick off with a rollicking version of “Slipping & Sliding” continuing with the Dr Feelgood anthem “Back In The Night”. The pace is pretty unrelenting as Wilko whisks through “Some Kind Of Hero”, “Sneakin’ Suspicion”, “Bottle Up & Go”, finishing with a live version of”Roxette”. Although Wilko works better live, this album is an atmospheric summary of his 30-year career. Heartily recommended. (©Peter Ashton 2002)  Gordon Haskell.Shadows On The Wall Flying Sparks Records TDBCD068 Track listing: 1. Sunshine Days 2. Whole Wide World 3. Shadows On The Wall 4. Look Out 5. Roll Away 6. Long Lost Friends 7. If You Could Read My Mind 8. Country Gold 9. Walking In A Wilderness 10. The Other Side 11. California On His Mind 12. Shadows On The Wall (acoustic version) Playing time: 50 min. 21sec. A MIX of new songs and old which follows the basic formula of the huge-selling “Harry’s Bar”, but is, if anything, more varied. Certainly, Gordon’s warm tones sound better than ever - more relaxed, more assured - is that what success does? A nice balance between the jazzy mood music of the title tune, the romantic as embodied in forthcoming single “Whole Wide World”, plus several upbeat songs, “Country Gold”, “Sunshine Days” and “California On His Mind” - you can almost see Gordon’s leg movements on the latter trio! Excellent musicianship by Robbie, Sam and co contribute to a fine album. (©Peter Ashton 2002)  Christine Collister.Into The Light. Topic Records TSCD1002 Track listing: 1. Ashlands 2. Hymn To Grace 3. Lost And Found 4. Act Of Kindness 5. A Kinder Heart 6. Brittle Man 7. Fallen Angel 8. Like Mercury 9. Endlessly 10. Little Bird 11. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For 12. Quiet. Playing time 47:28. MANY people unfamiliar with the name Christine Collister will have heard her sing - about sixteen years ago she was heard singing “Warm Love Gone Cold” over the titles of the hit TV series “Life & Loves Of A She-Devil.” At that time she was a session singer and has since built a career as a solo artist with a powerful voice and a strong stage presence. This CD typifies why Christine is not better known - six self-written songs and six covers all sung well with some class musicians backing up, including the intriguingly named guitarist Misha Nikolic. It’s all good stuff and makes for perfect light night, relaxing listening, but it all sounds a bit cool and clinical, and doesn’t impart the soulfulness of her live performances. Worth a listen though. (©Peter Ashton 2002)  Kate Rusby10. Pure Records. PRCD. Running time: 67.23min JUST a little clue in the title there - Kate’s been a pro for ten years and this album celebrates that fact. The sweet-voiced Barnsley lass has recorded live versions or new versons of some of her favourite songs and remastered others, and the results will please every folk fan. Among the highlights over 15 tracks are Sir Eglamore, Maid of Llewellyn and the self-written Over You Now. Featured musicians include Kate’s usual excellent touring crew, plus guests like Lester Simpson and the late Davey Steele. Generous running time and a good balance of tracks. Recommended. (©Peter Ashton 2002) Peter Ashton  Nick Harper.Double Life. QUIXCD008. Running Time: 99.26 mins. EXCELLENT value from a singer and guitarist who just keeps getting better and better. His talent shines on this double package containing 18 tracks recorded at various venues around the UK and put together by Nick himself. Continually evolving both vocally and instrumentally he does things on guitar which nobody else even attempts and vocally has developed a very distinctive style, at times sounding like Glenn Tilbrook on helium. His songwriting skills are impressive, too, ranging from personal visions like “She Rules My World” to songs with a social conscience like “The Consumer Meets The Wolfman”. In between there is humour in songs like Monthy Python’s “The Galaxy Song” and a bizarre version of Elvis’s “Guitar Man”. Overall, a typical Nick Harper set, broken strings and all - original, varied and totally compelling. Highly recommended. (©Peter Ashton 2002) Peter Ashton We welcome you to submit your own cd, gig or venue reviews here at P.O.L. Simply click on the link below and type away! Please include relevant details such as your name, date of gig etc. Click here to send in your own review Looking for a different review? Click here for our NEW archive |
JANUARY Featured artists: (see Articles for info)  Stringybark McDowell The Platform Tavern Thursday 9th Talking Heads Wednesday22nd.
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