The latest reviews from Kevin Bryan.

"American Music Library-The Hits of 1961" (Fantastic Voyage FVTD 201)-This interesting new series of anthologies focusses attention on tracks which were sizeable hits in the U.S. of A. but failed to make any impression at all commercially on this side of the Atlantic. 1961 seems to have been a notable year for inexplicable flops,as witnessed by the presence here of timeless gems such as The Shirelles' "Dedicated To The One I Love," Ben E.King's "Spanish Harlem" and The Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman" to name but a few. The 3 CD set indulges in  a feast of unashamed nostalgia  as it serves up a charmingly dated assortment of pop,country and r&b hits for your entertainment,including everything from bluesman Freddy King's classic instrumental "Hideaway" to country legend  Patsy Cline's "Crazy" and "I Fall To Pieces."

 

The Everly Brothers,"Stories We Could Tell / Pass The Chicken & Listen" (Morello/Cherry Red MRLL 35)-Don and Phil Everly may have enjoyed a notoriously fractious personal  relationship but their heartfelt vocal harmonies graced  a string of superb albums over the years,and these 1972 offerings must rank amongst their finest musical creations. "Stories We Could Tell" was a particularly impressive effort,with rock luminaries such as Ry Cooder,Warren Zevon and Messrs. Crosby and Nash  underpinning the distinctive duo's efforts as they  tackled melodic gems such as Rod Stewart's "Mandolin Wind," Dennis Linde's "Ridin' High" and the self-penned "Green River."

 

John Martyn,"Well Kept Secret" (Esoteric ECLEC 2445)-This uncharacteristically hard edged and aggressive offering  wasn't universally well received by the critical fraternity when it first saw the light of day in 1982,and the contents were  certainly a far cry  from the elusive and experimental sound that Martyn had perfected a decade or so earlier via  albums such as "Solid Air" and "Inside Out." Open minded listeners should find much to savour and enjoy here however,including  the radio friendly "Hung Up" and  "Could've Been Me" and a sublime cover of the late great Johnny Ace's r&b classic "Never Let Me Go" featuring jazzman Ronnie Scott on eloquent sax.

 

Luke Daniels,"What's Here What's Gone" (GAELCD014)-Glasgow based folk performer Luke Daniels is best known for his skills as a melodeon player.having worked as a soloist on the film soundtracks of Peter Jackson's two Tolkien epics and as a regular member of the Cara Dillon Band. He's now decided to reveal his hitherto hidden talents as a singer-songwriter via this immaculately crafted new CD, skilfully interweaving elements of folk,blues and gospel  as he sets out  his highly personal  musical manifesto via fine tracks such as "In Our Hearts,"  "What She Means" and "All My Dreams."