Reviews

Artist: James Bragg
Album: Red Cloud
Label: Lost At Sea
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.myspace.com/jamesbraggsongs

Whilst listening to 'Red Cloud' by James Bragg, it occurred to me that when I first met James, he was in the middle of making this particular album, and it was last December 09. I mention the month because the album in question gives me the impression that the stories in the songs reflect a years worth of memories. There seems to be a connection with seasons and time gone, and like individual jigsaw pieces, each song fits nicely and securely with the next and makes up the complete and ideal acoustic album.

James Bragg is one man and his guitar, with occasional added accompanying instruments. And yes, there are many 'one man and guitar' types but I will stress that James is one of the best of his kind. With songs that excel in emotional thought and analysis, 'Red Cloud' rises above the majority. There is a maturity in James's style however I can hear the odd trace of a young Paul McCartney; it's something about the melody of the vocals and scansion of the lyrics. And as for vocal quality and strength; James has got it, with a nice added bit of rough, as though he's just smoked a packet of Disque-bleu cigarettes and had a couple of good whiskey's.

I find it difficult to pull out a couple of individual tunes on this album to highlight and praise because all of them are deserving, but I will say that 'Night Or Day' left me feeling achingly warm, 'Travellin' Van' made me smile, ''Bees and Birds' made me float, and I found myself agreeing that 'Red Cloud' suited the medal of title track.

In all honestly, I recommend James Bragg to those of you who appreciate good acoustic music, and 'Red Cloud' is a quality collection of good acoustic songs.

Miss James

---