The latest reviews from Kevin Bryan.
Steeleye Span, "Access All Areas" (Edsel Records)- This excellent offering in Edsel's "Access All Areas" series focusses attention on Steeleye Span's 20th anniversary celebration at the Beck Theatre in Hayes. The then current incarnation of the band were in typically sprightly form as they regaled their enthusiastic audience with the cream of their pioneering folk-rock repertoire, including much loved ditties such as "Thomas The Rhymer," "Cam' Ye O'er Frae France" and the gloriously unaccompanied "Gaudete."
"Jan Akkerman" (Esoteric / Cherry Red)- Jan Akkerman is best remembered these days for his eloquent contributions to the early seventies output of prog-rockers Focus. The eclectic Dutch guitarist left the fold in 1976 to pursue a solo career which gave him the artistic freedom to explore any musical avenue which took his fancy, and the influence of jazz-funk tended to dominate proceedings on this stylish offering from the following year. "Streetwalker" and a ten-minute long track entitled "Angel Watch" are particularly impressive efforts.
Nuala Kennedy, "Behave the Bravest" (Under The Arch Records)- The fourth solo album from this Scottish based Irish traditional singer and musician serves up a beguiling blend of jigs, reels and English language and Gaelic songs recorded in a variety of far flung locations as she toured the globe with the Nuala Kennedy Band. Her evocative flute work and vocals are a joy to behold as Nuala immerses herself in the timeless delights of "Lovely Armoy," "Death and the Lady" and the epic Child Ballad, "Fair Annie of the Loch Royanne."
Wishbone Ash, "Illuminations" (Talking Elephant)- Guitarist Andy Powell was the only original member remaining in the Wishbone Ash line-up when the time came for them to record "Illuminations" in 1995, but Andy and his recently recruited cohorts excelled themselves with what must rank as the band's finest album in many a long year. Powell and the multi-talented Roger Filgate delivered the familiar twin lead guitar sound as Ash served up classy and compelling creations such as "No Joke," "Mystery Man" and the epic "Tales of the Wise."
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