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(Reprise) Eric Clapton’s solo albums have been rarities recently but the latest, produced by co-guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, is one of his more satisfying and diverse studio outings. Mostly covers, the self-titled, 14-track collection embraces blues, popular songs and New Orleans jazz. In addition to his core rhythm trio (drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, […]
Archive for April, 2012
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The Promise – Bruce Springsteen | CD review
April 28th, 2012 
admin (Columbia) Some songwriters struggle to fill a CD, while prolific artists like Bob Dylan or Elvis Costello usually face the dilemma of what to leave out. Likewise Bruce Springsteen. Back in 1978, after three years of litigation in the wake of his breakthrough album ‘Born To Run’, he had already recorded about 40 songs but […]
See My Friends – Ray Davies | CD review
April 28th, 2012 admin (Universal) I’ve always related to Ray Davies’ Anglophile nostalgia, having lived in his north London neighbourhood at the time the Kinks’ music began to be heard. Fast-forward 45 years and Ray has succumbed to the inevitable, late-career duets album (a Kinks’ greatest hits variation). I originally viewed the line-up on ‘See My Friends’ with trepidation, […]
The Union – Elton John & Leon Russell | CD review
April 28th, 2012 admin (Mercury) Leon Russell and Elton John first met 40 years ago and briefly teamed up for a US tour. But while Elton soared to global stardom Leon, in the aftermath of his success with Joe Cocker’s ‘Mad Dogs and Englishmen’ tour movie/album, gradually reverted to a career as journeyman-producer and session player. Leon, of course, […]
Time Stands Still – Chris Smither | CD review
April 28th, 2012 admin (Shock) PERENNIAL United States troubadour Chris Smither continues to delight folk-blues fans with incisive lyrics and melodic hooks, underpinned by a monster finger-picking technique. This album, although a shade below 2007’s dazzling Leave The Light On, is still impressive. The 11 studio tracks were recorded over four days with producer-guitarist David Goodrich and percussionist Zak […]
