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analysis w/e 14.5.11 |
DVDs out 9.5.11 |
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@ DVDfever Youtube |
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May 11 2011 
DVDfever co uk
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Eclectic singer-songwriter gets a ‘best of’, at long last. English folk-rocker Clive Gregson, 54, now based in Nashville, has been writing some fine tune for a long time now, so we finally get an 18 tracker that showcases his craftsmanship. In the past Gregson has worked with cult band Any Trouble releasing five album to critical acclaim, in a trio with Boo Hewerdine and ex-Fairground Attraction vocalist Eddi Reader. He was also a regular in Richard Thompson’s band, along with being an in-demand session musician, a back-up player-singer and producer. Some of his songs have been covered by Kim Carnes, Norma Waterson and Nanci Griffith; such is his credibility in the music fraternity. Listening to this CD it’s more than obvious that Gregson has a leaning more towards the commercial edge of folk, with a hint of pop, enough to appeal to all ages. Key to his credibility is the fact that there’s nothing pretentious about his lyrical or musical content – it’s all about ordinary people and their ordinary lives, with a touch of escapism. The feel is that of a musician who’s just popped into your local or even your home, with a voice that’s adaptable to the varying styles. There’s a warm, and comforting intimacy about the songs too. Truth is, whatever your musical leanings, there’s nothing to dislike about this album, though it’s likely to appeal to the mature adult audience.
Despite his US residency, Gregson’s musical tilt heads for his north west love affair with Manchester, we’re left to assume, on I Love This Town, which is a tongue in check tale, “twitching curtains” he mentions, there again, humour is found in many aspects of his work like Antidote and unbridled love – “a queen without a crown” on Camden Town, and the ups-and-down of romance on Trouble With Love, told in a common man’s approach that all fellas can relate to. He creates a wonderful character trapped by his ordinary life, who ponders his dance skills in the hope acquiring the attentions of a one Roslyn Maguire at a local dance somewhere in Yorkshire, dressed up to the nines. His most stunning work here is the sumptuous and soaring ballad Home Is Where The Heart Is, a story of broken promises as the lover returns to his loved one. Cornerstone, Comfort And Joy and Cool, Cool Rain are much like the acoustic balladeering synonymous with Ralph Mc Tell or James Taylor: simple and direct, whereas Touch And Go is a soulful pop take, like something out of a Paul Carrack – Mike And The Mechanics songbook. Expanding his repertoire even further, he unleashes a country-rockabilly gem Black Train Coming, proving he’s not too easy to pigeonhole. The verdict – Essential listening.
Weblinks: clivegregson.com / myspace.com/clivegregson
The full list of tracks included are :
As of April 2009, Blu-rays and DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TH-37PX80B 37" Plasma TV with a Sony BDP-1500 Blu-ray player and played through a Yamaha DSP-AX820 amplifier. PC games reviewed by the editor are on:
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Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
