Julian Dawson
Album: Living Good
Label: Fledg'ling
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.juliandawson.com

I first became aware of singer songwriter Julian Dawson back in the Nineties via a series of albums he recorded with Iain Matthews and Andy Roberts under the Plainsong banner. Impressed I sought out his solo material (he's had 22 releases at last count, yet still is better known in Germany than the UK) slipping effortlessly over genres such as folk, pop, rock, blues to name a few.

Dawson also wrote a lovingly warm biography of Nicky Hopkins, a keyboard wizard who toured with The Stones, Jeff Beck, Sky, Joe Cocker, Art Garfunkel amongst many more. Hopkins was a session musician who appeared on hit singles for the likes of The Who, The Kinks, Cat Stevens, John Lennon and if you're not familiar with Nicky Hopkins then slide over to You tube type in "Edward The Mad Shirt Grinder" & "Quicksilver Messenger Service" and you'll get an idea of his skills. (Warning, you may need to cup your hand round your chin, it is that jaw droppingly good).

Anyway I'm digressing, back to the point.

"Living Good" exhibit's the same warmth mentioned above, it's a relaxed album recorded direct to analogue tape, it's gentle, loving and sonically beautiful as Julian Dawson (vocals, guitar and harmonica) is joined by friends such as Dan Penn, Barry & Holly Tashian, Billy Livsey, Michael Rhodes and others.

Guests are used sparingly just adding to the songs when necessary, increasing the feel of "Good Time" music this release exudes. If you can remember the best music that John Sebastian ever recorded then "Living Good" is for you, Americana, acoustic blues if you will, it just carries on that tradition seamlessly. A record to make you toss away your troubles, plonk yourself down, tap your toes, nod your head and bring a massive grin to your face.

Opener, "Roll With The Animals", is a catchy co-write with Penn "nothing is impossible when you're down on your knees".

A snake charming like clarinet from Jim Hake adds to "Duke" a song about a drifter, before "Rusty Old Car", an almost childlike wonder that will appeal to everyone used to caring for their "old banger".

"I'm Going To Miss You" slows the pace, pure sentiment backed by "Someone You Love" a minimalist blues with gorgeous acoustic bass, which asks the question what do you do when someone who loves you doesn't any more?

Covers of "I'm Living Good" (a hit Stateside for the Ovations) and "Teenage Idol" (Ricky Nelson) are given a reflective polish and shine, whilst "Sportin' Life Blues" showcases Julian's harmonica skills, it matches the Lovin Spoonful's version and on repeated listening comes out on top, just a single instrument and voice.

"Brand New Pen" looks at the way the music industry has evolved, recording and analysising everything yet losing the spontaneity and excitement along the way "it's time to write a Brand New Song with a Brand New Pen".

And if you've ever been in a relationship where it's one side giving and the other side is demanding more and more yet you can't ( or don't want to) break free then "Lorraine, Lorraine" is for you.

"Yes, Yes Happiness" closes the album, written on the suggestion of Julian's daughter Clancy, leaves us with an infectious refrain, happy for ever more.

"Living Good", a feel good record for those "be good to yourself" days.

Ian Cripps