CD REVIEW

STRAY DOGS.
ROD PICOTT.
WELDING ROD RECORDS. RP3167.Running time: 39.03.

NOT the longest CD ever made, but sheer quality on every track. Rod Picott is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter who will be touring the UK soon.
Slightly reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen, he has a smoky voice, also
sounding at times a bit like Chris Rea, but apart from those references, the songs and the lyrics are original and every song has its own flavour. Good lyrics throughout, particularly on tracks like “Workshirts and Turpentine” and “Circus Girl.” Some fine musicians back Rod up and Slaid Cleaves and Alison Krauss provide backing harmonies on several songs. Every song is written by Rod, whose songs are already being recorded by other singers. One for the future.
Anyone within range of Brighton can catch him at The Greys ( 01273 680734) on April 28, 2003. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

CD REVIEW

GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT - THE LEGACY OF SUN RECORDS.
CD 31165.Running Time: 48:39.

A brilliant CD tied up with a forthcoming TV documentary about Sun Records.
Artists as diverse as Paul McCartney, Johnny Hallyday, Tom Petty and Sheryl Crow perform songs originally recorded on Sun Records, often with musicians who appeared on the originals. For instance, McCartney’s version of “That’s All Right” features Scotty Moore on guitar and DJ Fontana on drums. Similarly with Bryan Ferry’s taken on “Don’t Be Cruel” with additional help from Mark Knopfler and Jools Holland.
For the most part artists are faithful to the original versions of songs
like “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and “Lonely Weekend”; an exception is a highly contemporary and very enjoyable version of “Drinkin’ Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee” by The Howling Diablos which fairly rips along. Other artists on an engrossing and upbeat album included Bob Dylan, Carl Perkins and Van Morrison. Highly recommended. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

Eric Bibb
The Brook,Southampton.
INSPIRATIONAL  is the only way to describe Eric’s performance at The Brook.  The charismatic bluesman radiated peace and love as he entranced a packed house over ninety compelling minutes at The Brook.  To pigeonhole Eric as a blues singer is a little unfair though, as gospel, rock and soul are all ingredients in his compelling recipe.
  Backed by his own deft guitar plus bass, drums and keyboards Eric wrapped his smooth voice round old favourites like “Mandela is Free”, “Goin’ Down Slow” and “Angel.”  He also introduced some new songs from his brand new “Natural Light” CD including the plaintive “Circles” and “So Sorry” and the witty “Champagne Habits.”
  A highlight of the gig was an extended version of “Needed Time” when Eric got the audience to sing along to a song all about the need for peace and understanding, particularly relevant in the current climate.  There are few performers who can unite a crowd through the power of music in the way that Eric does.  A moving and magical gig by one of the most sincere and genuine characters on the music scene. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

CD REVIEW

COBBLESTONE RUNWAY
RON SEXSMITH.
Linus 270011.Running time: 44.34.

ANYONE who isn’t acquainted with the work of Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith is recommended to start right here. Twelve original songs by Ron, sung in his distinctive style, are all beautifully crafted. If there aren’t any tracks which leap out and grab you on first playing, every track insidiously gets into your head on repeated playings.
Best tracks for me are “Former Glory”, “God Loves Everyone”, “For A Moment” and “Gold In Them Hills” which appears in two different versions. Some classy musicians and backing singers also lend their talents, including Chris Martin of Coldplay who helps out in the remixed version of “Gold In Them Hills.”
The album also comes with a bonus - a free CD of Ron’s album “Grand Opera Lane” recorded with his former band The Uncool, previously released only as a cassette in 1991. Much rockier than what Ron is doing now, but worth a listen. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

CD REVIEW

POINTLESS NOSTALGIC.
JAMIE CULLUM.
Candid Records CCD79782.
Running time 55.37.

STILL in his early twenties, Jamie is a highly rated jazz vocalist and pianist very much in the Harry Connick Jr vein.  This 13-track album is crammed with cocktail bar classics like “In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning” and “I Can’t Get Started” plus two of Jamie’s own songs, the title track and the satirical “I Want To Be a Popstar.”
  It’s music with a universal appeal - you don’t have to be a jazz fan to appreciate it.  Jamie’s backed up by some very talented musicians including trumpeter Martin Shaw and Martin Gladdish on trombone.  Nothing revolutionary here as the title “Pointless Nostalgic” reflects, although that has nothing whatsoever to do with the music.  Ideal for a late-night listen. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

Ezio.
Talking Heads, Southampton.
FOLLOWING a rousing support spot from Southampton’s popular soul duo Midway, Cambridge-based band Ezio took the stage to debut at “the Heads.”  Named after Italian lead singer and songwriter, Ezio Lunedei, this band was a revelation.  Ezio and fellow acoustic guitarist Mark “Booga” Farrell took centre stage, backed by bass and drums to produce songs with an immediate and intense feel.
  Surging rhythms and frenetic but unified interplay between their guitars was the hallmark of Ezio’s performance of songs like “Deeper”, “Steal Away” and “Angel Song.”  Passionate vocals illuminated the songs which varied from dreamy introspection to full-on rock, often with a pronounced Latin feel.  A sell-out crowd were totally captivated throughout a two hour set which also included new songs from the album “The Making of Mr Spoons” released this week.  Brilliant stuff - this band must be the music scene’s best kept secret. (©Peter Ashton 2003)

Edwin Starr
The Brook, Southampton.
THE BROOK simmered with soul as Edwin Starr and his 12-piece band crowded the stage before a packed audience.  Ever the showman, Edwin clad in a black sequinned tuxedo, showed he had lost none of his vocal powers as he launched into “Back Streets.”
  All the expected soul hits were there: “Stop Her On Sight”, “Headline News” and “War!”, each song delivered with sheer energy by Edwin and his massively talented band.  Edwin also payed tribute to other soul stars with a medley of song by the likes of The Temptations, Jackie Wilson and Al Green, encouraging the crowd to sing along, before closing with a stonking version of “Play That Funky Music White Boy.” 
  Lapped up by a jigging, dancing crowd this was soul music at its’ best. (©Peter Ashton 2003)