Thursday, May 6, 2010

CD Review: John Jones - The Rising Road

John Jones
The Rising Road
Westpark Music

Some people like to walk, and some people take it to an extreme. John Jones falls into the latter category. Best known as the front man for Celtic folk rockers Oysterband, The Rising Road is an album mostly of traditional folk songs, inspired by Jones' long treks through the Welsh countryside. The arrangements are much more subdued than Oysterband material, although several of the tracks feature contributions from band members, particularly Alan Prosser on guitar and Dil Davies on drums. However, it is Jones' voice that is front and centre, full of dynamics and emotion. An original track, "Walking Through Ithonside," won Best Original Song in the Spiral Awards. Rising Road is an intelligent listen and a must for fans of Oysterband and British folk alike. ~Paula E. Kirman

No comments: