| CD Reviews Ian Anderson: The
Orchestral Jethro Tull
By Jon Myles
It’s not often the words Frankfurt Neue Philharmonic Orchestra appears
in these pages. Nor the words Jethro Tull, come to that.
Now, as you all know, the great Jethro invented the seed drill in 1701
which allowed farmers to sow seeds in well-spaced rows at specific depths
and so increase crop yields.
But this is the other Jethro Tull — the ones who made a series of albums
which are now famous for being a tad silly. Now their leader has decided
to team up with a German symphony orchestra conducted by Ireland’s very
own John O’Hara to perform the Tull's best-known songs in a classical-style.
Now, if that sounds a bit mad to you then you’d be right. But, surprisingly,
it works. The orchestra brings a depth to some of the songs that you’d never
have guessed existed and some of the extra touches are a delight. An unlikely
match but entertaining.
Gerry ‘Banjo’ O’Connor: No Place Like Home
By Jon Myles
Copperplate continue their well-regarded series of releases with the
latest from Gerry ‘Banjo’ O’Connor.
Gerry is renowned as one of Ireland’s best fiddlers. And he also plays
the banjo, not surprisingly.
No Place Like Home contains 11 tracks — with just three new compositions
and the rest being traditional material.
It’s a pure celebration of Irish music with Gerry again demonstrating
just what a virtuoso he is on both banjo and fiddle.
It’s a different beast from previous release Myriad — being more pared
down and raw. But it can’t fail to win you over.
Jon Randall: Walking Among The Living
By Jon Myles
Jon Randall is a tenor harmony singer and guitarist who has worked with
the likes of Emmylou Harris, Sam Bush and Lyle Lovett.
Do you need to know any more? It’s a country album and has song titles
like Baby Won’t You Come Home. And no, we don’t know what a tenor harmony
singer is either.
Various Artistes: Break Up Songs
By Phil Savva
As is human nature we enjoy a good wallow every now and then in emotion
and pity. Break Up Songs is a double CD of some of the biggest tearjerkers
and love songs ever released.
Yes we’ve all been there — the break-up with the one we thought was THE
one. And have always associated a certain song with him or her ever since.
So here’s your chance to relive those memories — be they pleasant or
not — with the likes of Phil Collins, Roxette, Cher, Cutting Crew, 10CC,
Chicago, UB40 and Nickleback to name but a few.
Yes, it’s a real sobfest with such classics as Against All Odds, It Must
Have Been Love, If You Leave Me Now and more.
So enjoy but don‘t get too depressed!
Kirsty Hawkshaw: Reach For Me
By Phil Savva
Kirsty Hawkshaw has a fine musical pedigree behind her. She is a very
talented singer-songwriter who has been around for quite a while although
perhaps you wouldn’t recognise the name.
She first appeared in the 1990s adding her vocals to the likes of Opus
III’s rave classic It’s A Fine Day and more recently to Tiesto’s Just Be.
But she’s not just about dance music as this single shows. It’s a terrific
middle-of-the-road classic that easily rivals such other artistes in the
genre at the moment.
Smooth, velvety vocals on an acoustic guitar rhythm. Taken from the forthcoming
album Meta-Message due out in October it’s well worth a listen.
Lil’ Love: Little Love
By Phil Savva
Superb dancefloor number that has real mainstream chart appeal.
Italian DJ Alex Gaudino and Jerma rework the Lisa Stansfield classic
People Hold On to good effect.
Originally conceived as an instrumental the track, the synth-based number
has benefitted enormously from the vocals of Sharon May Linn to propel it
to instant hit status.
Could be one of those summer hits that’ll be remembered — and played—
in years to come.
As always it comes in several version ranging from the radio edit to
the club mix and electro mix.
The Ordinary Boys: Life Will Be The Death Of Me
By Jon Myles
For once a band that’s aptly named. For the Ordinary Boys are, well,
distinctly ordinary. Not that this is bad that is. But nor is it good. It’s
just sort of there like so many other songs you hear. You know, the ones
where you think it’s OK and then forget about it totally.
But if you want to know more The Ordinary Boys are like a cross between
The Clash and The Jam that misses out most of the best bits like passion,
great songs and attitude.
So what you're left with is a half-decent tune and a quite nice vocal
line. As we said — fairly ordinary. But not unpleasant.
Oh, make your own minds up.
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