Gareth Davies Jones
Album: Now But Not Yet
Label: HMW
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.garethdavies-jones.com/

This is the third time I have reviewed a body of work by Gareth Davies Jones and it is always a pleasure to do so. On this CD Gareth is joined by his daughter Bronwen on backing vocals as well as Sandy Jones and Graeme Duffin on a range of instruments including drums, percussion, bass and electric guitar. Gareth himself plays a wide variety of plucked string instruments as well as piano. The overall impact is well constructed and varied soundscapes for each song which create a harmonious whole.

There is something about the sound of Gareth's voice and guitar that moves my spirit to a better place. The opening track of the CD, 'Dawn', is no exception whilst the more upbeat second track 'Hundred Year Skin' lifts the mood further and brings banjo into the mix. The warming 'Montsoreau' leads into 'Elusive' which has a full band mix and perfectly infectious chorus.

'Guide' reveals Gareth's deep religious commitment and his sense of pilgrimage whilst 'One Girl Amongst Many' brilliantly celebrates the bravery of Malala Yousafzai in resisting the Taliban's fundamentalism. 'New Deal' demonstrates a belief in social justice and greater equality (I'm with him there!) and is another high point of the album. The song that has really stuck in my mind since hearing the CD though is 'Messines' - a superb evocation of the relationship between a mine clearer and those who lived through the terror of the first world war - masterful song writing!

The remaining songs on the CD are all worth repeated listening and once again I have no hesitation in recommending Gareth Davies Jones to all who relish beautiful and thoughtful music and lyrics.

Joe Grint