Saturday, February 02, 2008 ................................................................
EXTRACTS FROM THE RECENT REVIEW OF 'SKYLIKEME' IN CROSSRHYTHMS MAGAZINE
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STYLE: Roots/Acoustic.................................................
RATING 9/10..........................................
Reviewed by Alastair McCollum .............................................................
This album draws on a variety of music resources and showcases his multi-instrumental work and songwriting skills to make a singular work which bears repeated listening. That's not to say there aren't some tracks which are very immediate, but that most of these pieces need to be listened to again, chewed over and appreciated over time. The sleeve is notably lacking in details of the how, why, and who of the production, and there isn't a track listing - due to the desire for 'sense of mystery' according to the man himself - though a listing can be found online for those of us who like to be able to put a name to a song. Guitar-based, but not straightforwardly acoustic, the music ranges from the reflective feeling of "Skydog" to the powerful folk-rock/alternative vibe of the second track "A White Angelus" via a contemporary arrangement of the traditional folk piece "Lakes Of Pontchartain". There is some excellent guitar work throughout, an impressive variety of instruments which bring a depth of sound and deeply textured approach to the music, and the passionate vocals of Day give a sense of plaintive melancholy to the whole affair. There is a tangible sense of journey - or perhaps more accurately a sense of wandering and wondering - through the album, notably on what is probably the most catchy track "Darkman", but present in nearly every track. It's a feeling of searching and of spiritual quest, but with no particular answers found, just a sense of sharing in the questions. The almost "stream of consciousness" writings on the cover and inner sleeve of the CD reflect this feeling, with the whole package encouraging us to embrace the mystery of life, without necessarily expecting everything to be wrapped up. Repeated listening makes this a most profound and enjoyable album, not an easy listen, but a worthwhile one.
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Made in a derelict church by the daughter of a submariner and a teddy boy welder, I was raised between factories, steel hard and iron grey. Old now and lonely, sometimes I watch the sky. I'm half in love with longing, searching for a certain whiteness...............................
JONATHAN DAY'S DISCOTHEQUE..................................
AVEIIA: THE POLITICS OF NAVIGATION.....
I took a tour around some islands and let their genomes infest me. You know the soldier in 'Ghost in the Machine' who sees butterflies when his mind is violated by nanoprobes? I tried to suck in bits of bali and japan, wales and africa................................
WOOD SONGS.....
After 'Sky Like Me's' studio soundscapes, this work takes it all down to impromptu live recordings through one mike direct to disc. The 'studio' is a room in Jonathan's forest house and the songbirds outside the open door seem to be soloing on some of these songs. A need to create something authentic with a voice, some wood and some wire sits quietly around here somewhere. Post Post-Modern, a cry as personal and lyrical as the curlew, buzzard and nightingale that pass his door........................................................................
A SKY LIKE ME.....
"Songs from five years of contemplation. Long nights with sages, poets and painters and long journeys wandering around Europe playing its streets and cafes are here held in song. This record takes its heart from time, silence and the mad, mundane and quietly beautiful vision of those who share the road."
Catherine van Ruhland, Greenbelt Festival.......................................................................
GREEN DRUM.....
Songs from the road less travelled. A younger man is talking here of the loin-passion of new love, fury against injustice and above all standing astonished at the million faced beauty and gut wrenching gutter of the wide world, the road that goes ever on.......................................................................................
I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4A White Angelus
Summer came and went and how was it spent? We didn't do a very good job of catching up now did we?.....Saw a tagged pic of you + players from Brignorth, I missed you AGAIN. So as life continues to flow I'll see you soon I know xxx
Cheers mate - yet another completely different to the last time but excellent and powerful performance from a Jonathan Day ensemble. Brilliant stuff hope to see you soonish Kev
Hi Jon, belated thanks for yet another brilliant shape shifting set at the Green Wood Summer Music Festival, mercurial as ever...Here's to many more. Warm wishes, Steve, Char & Sarah
Worcester Music Festival 22nd - 24th August Free Entry - The Ultimate Celebration of Live Music In Worcester Also supporting local charities www. worcestermusicfestival. co. uk
If you around: This week sees the last ever gig at the MAC before its 18th month closure!!
Invention Convention, Friday 28th March, Hexagon Theatre, MAC, Birmingham. 7:30pm start, £6/4, Co promoted by Birmingham Jazz. Tom Arthurs (Trumpet) John Edwards (Bass) Tony Marsh (Drums) Mike Hurley (Piano)
FiZZLE, 1st April at The Lamp Tavern, Barford St, Birmingham. £5/3, 8:45pm. First Half: John Edwards (Double Bass) - Solo Set Adrian Northover (Sax) - Solo Set Second Half: John Edwards/Adrian Northover/Mike Hurley - Trio Set
Hey Jonathan! Thank you for being a friend :-) Had a listen to your music and think you are doing a great job! Keep up the good work and keep in touch! Thanks again Anna Rice
Hi Jon, nice to see you in the woods on Friday night, be nice to get you and the ladies over again later in the year. Keep moving, Steve, Char and Sarah
Hope you're over the jet lag now - what were you up to in China? thanks for the photo by way, brightened my day. We had a great time last night but it would have been greater still if you had made it. I'm struggling to stay awake - I was a bit sick this morning (Laura made a killer punch!!!) and we've had Issy's 6th Birthday - an arty party - so we got glitter encrusted and stuffed with cake. I'm wrecked so going to sleep - night night, we will catch up soon. What festies are you doing this year? Fancy the Sunrise Celebration for a change? Let me know.
