Joe Solo
Album: No Pasaran
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.joesolo.co.uk

Joe Solo is an songwriter (and indeed story teller) I have long admired but only recently managed to see perform (at the Shuttle Shuffle Festival in Bradford back in August). I was struck by the passion of his delivery combined with his sense of fun - a true entertainer in the very best sense of the word.

Even before tearing open the jiffy bag containing Joe's new CD I knew I was about to be subject to an incredibly moving experience. I had already heard a couple of tracks online and they had made me stop what I was doing and simply listen.

Yet further encouragement for playing the disc is provided by the visually stimulating booklet and backplate of the CD on which James Poppleton has illustrate the Spanish Civil War context of the songs with evocative images whilst Joe has provided explanatory text.

I am not ashamed to say that that first listen through the CD made me cry. So perfectly did the expression in Joe's voice match the subject of his lyrics that the feeling was one of immersion in the events of that time and their echoes which resound through to the present day with the disturbing reemegence of far right groups across Europe.

The songs, which primarily tell the story of the war through the experiences of those who volunteered to fight, deserve to be considered as a whole and I trust I have managed to convey the overall impact. Notwithstanding this I feel I really should highlight the standout moments.

The opening title track has a tune and a chorus to die for as well as Rebekah Findlay's sublime fiddle and the second song 'Our Open Eyes' is the one that made me cry as a response to the volunteer, Tommy James, explaining his motives to his friends. The central song 'Madrid', on which Joe's harmonica and the overall production creates an incredibly emotional effect, leads into 'Backgammon' a beautiful reverie (with Rebekah's sensitive accompiament) on how we share music, games and laughter and yet are so vulnerable to those who seek to destroy this harmony.

A magnificent creation.

No Pasaran! Not ever.

Joe Grint