Gawkey
Album: Sing An Honest Song
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.gawkey.co.uk

Gawkey brings together the voice and guitar of Matthew Morton with the fiddle of Nigel Walker, on an album that more or less alternates songs with tune-sets. The two musicians prove to have an intuitive connection, which is distinctly apparent in their combined presence; it's easy to appreciate the involving effect they may have on a live audience, therefore.

Gawkey's debut album presents six original songs by Matt and four instrumental tracks (sets of traditional tunes capably arranged by both Matt and Nigel).

The feel of their music is quite traditional, and Matt's writing is clearly inspired by years of experience of, and exposure to, traditional song and dance. This trait works well in the duo's favour, although it can manifest a little too obviously at times perhaps where tunes are almost too self-consciously borrowed and don't quite fit (Angel Of The Archway Road takes Mrs McGrath, and If I Had My Time Again takes Bold Sir Rylas). Having said that, there are some damnably fine songs here - Henry O'Brien and If I Had My Time Again in particular. It could be said that Matt's voice isn't always as expressive as the songs might demand, but it's easy to fall under the spell of his gentle, charmingly accented delivery, especially on the lyrical The Black Rose of Summer and the opening song Love's Got All The Sweetest Tunes. The tune-sets are expertly played, if a touch one-dimensional in that they lack tonal contrast (for all that's unavoidable with the limited canvas of just fiddle and guitar); the finest example is the Roslin Castle strathspey and reel set (track 5).

I don't mean to damn with faint praise when I describe Sing An Honest Song as an honest CD - plain-spoken, and unpretentiously and straightforwardly dispatched. Perhaps in the end too honest, for it's honest to a fault. But I really can't see the merit of appending two tracks' worth of Out Takes (bloopers and messing about in the studio) after the main menu.

David Kidman