LINE UP
Abigail Baker - Backing Vocals
Rosey Edwards - Backing Vocals
Richard Goughlan - Drums, Percussion (on tracks 1-7, 9-10)
Chris Hunter - Drums, Backing Vocals (on track 8)
Ian Lander - Keyboards, Harmonica, Percussion
Jim Leverton - Guitars, Bass, Piano, Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals
Kevin Richards - Harmony Vocals, Backing Vocals (on track 2)
Geoffrey Richardson - Violin, Viola, Guitars, Mandolin, Banjo, Flute
Jan Schelhaas - Keyboards
|
REVIEWS FROM VARIOUS SOURCES
Jim Leverton has been plying his bass around the British scene since the early 1960s, with his rhythms supporting the likes of Blodwyn Pig, Juicy Lucy, Savoy Brown, and, of course, Caravan, with whom he continues to play. But with Bright New Way, Leverton leaves the Caravan behind to take a bit of a solo spin. However, along for the ride are Geoff Richardson, Richard Coughlan, and Jan Shelhaas, all fellow Caravaners.
The bulk of this gentle set of songs was composed by the bassist himself, alone or with former bandmates, and as the numbers span the decades, this includes a pair co-written with Steve Marriott. The title track is the earliest, one of Leverton's first stabs at song-writing back in 1967, and a bright psychedelic pop treat it is. A post-2000 composition, the aching "Clonakilty Bay," was composed in 2003 in response to the death of longtime friend Noel Redding. Henry McCullough's tribute to late country great Hank Williams is given a heartfelt cover, alongside a particularly poignant version of the Everly Brothers "Take a Message to Mary."
On more upbeat notes are the harmonica-laced, jaunty "I Can't Win" and the bouncy "Save Your Love." All the moods here may be muted, but the sweetness of each glitters through, and all told, Bright New Way is a lovely set of shimmering songs and subtle styles, all delivered with delight by a musical veteran.
Jo-Ann Greene (AllMusic)
|
