Paul Davy
Album: Better Late
Label: One Chain
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.pauldavy.bandcamp.com/releases

A few months ago, I was approached by a friend who asked if I would be willing to review an album being produced by his musician brother, Paul Davy. I was both honoured and pleased to say "yes" and Paul subsequently contacted me and sent the album through to me earlier this week.

I have reviewed many albums for FATEA Magazine but this is the first time that I have been approached directly. It is fairly easy being critical about someone you do not know but the thought suddenly came to me, "what happens if I do not like Paul's album?" I was told many years ago that if you cannot say something nice, then say nothing at all. Not really much use to a critic! There have been a few albums that I have received for review that I was not keen on but I have always tried to say something positive about them. So I opened the envelope with just a touch of trepidation and concern.

In the event, my preconceived concern was totally unnecessary. The album cover was the first thing that struck me. Superb artwork supported with a plethora of information about Paul and his songs all combine to present a fabulous package. Music is however not sold on the basis of a nice album cover, but it is sold on what appeals to the listener. Well, there was nothing to worry about here either as this is a terrific album.

Paul has drawn together a number of superb support musicians and singers including the wonderful Thea Gilmore and the multi-talented musician and producer Nigel Stonier.

All of the songs bar one have been written by Paul almost thirty years since his last foray into the world of songwriting. Hence the slightly tongue in cheek title of the album! It appears that we have David Cameron to thank for Paul's return following DC's introduction of the "Big Society." Paul felt that the best way to express his feelings was through his music so he set about writing again and the process from the start of the songwriting to album release has taken four years.

The music is a delicate mix of folk, blues, a touch of rock all delivered by a voice that at times resembles Neil Young. The backing musicians, in addition to playing the normal guitars and drums, also play the Cello, Glockenspiel, Wurlitzer, Banjo, Harmonica, Accordion, Harmonium and a choir is also featured on one track. It is pretty rare to find such a combination of instruments without perhaps having a multi-millionaire backer or coming straight from X Factor.

Each of the songs tells a story and they are born out of a mix of Paul's observational skills, his passions, his sensitivity and his view on life and death. Topics include homeless people in Leeds, the plight of the Morecambe Bay cockle pickers, the birth of his granddaughter and the comfort provided or endured on Virgin East Coast mainline trains. Some of these are not natural bedfellows with music but Pauls' words and care for humanity makes it all work very well.

The album comes with not only a list of the tracks and the musicians, but a short story about each track which I always think gives a real insight into the performer. I have listened to so many artists in the past that mumble their way through a song, at the end of which I have little or no idea what it is all about. Paul is not such a performer. His diction is excellent, his voice is very listenable and the quality of the songs is of the highest order.

Part of the proceeds from the album will go to a homeless charity in Leeds. The album will be available from the charity at www.simononthestreets.co.uk as well as the address at the head of this review.

All in all, the whole package oozes life, vitality, empathy and quality. There is so much to listen to, think about and admire and it all comes in one excellent package! Well done Paul and thanks for sharing it with me.

Rory Stanbridge