Reviews

Artist: Jim Moray
Album: A Beginners Guide
Label: NAG
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.jimmoray.co.uk

Jim Moray may on the face of things appear to be rather outspoken in defence of his musical roots but then again, why should the world of ‘folk music’ hide itself away without someone to come out punching in honour of its merits?

For those of us that have enjoyed this quirky category of music we have a lot to be proud of and if you judge a book by its cover then Moray is the man to spearhead the revolution. From the tinkling ivories featured on the track “Poverty Knock” (and, as Martin Carthy would have it “without The Spinners clap, clap”) the song is propelled with the gravitas it deserves and proves a finely constructed framework on which to highlight the miseries of working at the loom or, perhaps in this modern day, the tills at Tesco! By conveying the disillusioned voice of working at the machine everyday this track alone (for me) is a highlight of the rich tapestry that the quintessentially British take on the subject is conveyed so eloquently by the lyric.

In utilising a battery of instruments from a distinctly bygone era and employing modern day technology Moray is not only a breath of fresh air but also, possibly the new St George of his generation. So cast aside any preconceived ideas or reservations that you may feel towards (whether we like it or not) what is a minority subject, the tradition of our culture couldn’t be in finer hands.

Peter Fyfe

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