Gareth Davies-Jones
Album: The Usual Quarterly Days - Songs from 'The Seam' Project
Label: HWM
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.garethdavies-jones.com/

Due to other music related activities, I was planning on taking a short break from reviewing. I could not, however, resist the invitation to appraise the latest offering from Gareth Davies - Jones. Gareth is a songwriter whose work I have the highest regard for since being recommended to seek him out by Jez Lowe a number of years ago.

A further inducement for me to emerge from literary hibernation was the fact that the CD in question was a key outcome of Gareth's research in the annals of the impressive edifice that is the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers. As the son of a miner myself I was intrigued to hear what had inspired him from the collection as well as to learn more about the history of the industry that I was so close to being a part of.

The tales told in the songs on the CD range from the personal to the parliamentary and from the tragic to the triumphant. Amongst other topics, we learn about: the contents of the 'Practical Coal Mining' handbook; the lives and achievements of characters involved in the development and maintenance of the industry; an underground party to celebrate the striking of a new coal seam; a 1883 investigation into a potential Channel Tunnel; and the dangers faced daily by the miners.

All of these stories are set to appropriate and, in some cases, instantly memorable melodies and superb musical accompaniment. Gareth's voice is faultless throughout as always and sterling vocal support is provided by Bronwen Davies - Jones and Graeme Duffin. The arrangements vary from a cappella to guitar and fiddle (beautifully played by Shona Mooney) to full bodied band with Sandy Jones' brass on 'The Mining Institute' invoking particularly evocative harmonies. Two tracks also feature the North East Socialist Singers Choir whose contribution to a reworked version of 'Gresford' provides a stirring and moving end to the CD. If I had to pick a favourite from a disc of superlative songs it would have to be 'Mr Austin Kirkup' the memoir of a pit manager whose high opinion of himself, I suspect, would have been challenged by those who worked at the Lambton, Hetton, Joicey Collieries!

One test of the strength of a thematic body of work is whether individual tracks would stand up outside of the context of the whole CD. This is certainly the case here where the songs would fit seamlessly (forgive the pun!) into any occasion where the art of songwriting is appreciated.

I was pleased to see that Arts Council England have supported the project - at a time when so many artistic endeavours are suffering from cutbacks investment in important initiatives such as this is all the more welcome.

The project includes a series of concerts which feature projected images to complement the songs. Only two concerts remain but I can thoroughly recommend anyone within reach of Fenham in Newcastle on 25th March or Stocksfield in the Tyne Valley on 24th April to get there if they can.

This outstanding CD, which is also smartly packaged with full lyrics and notes on the songs, is, in my opinion, essential listening.

Joe Grint