Jake Morley
Album: Many Fish To Fry
Label: Sandwich Emporium
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.jackemorley.com

Some facts about Jake Morley:-

He comes from London. He studied law at Nottingham University [as I did but about 30 years earlier] . He is a singer/songwriter /guitarist who has an unusual style of playing called "lap tapping" where he plays his guitar flat on his lap. He plays bass in the Lukes Haines Power Trio [Luke is the former leader of The Auteurs]. He released his first EP [This City] in 2008 .He made his name on the open mic scene and has a large following on You Tube and social media. He appeared at HMV's Next Big Thing Festival in 2012. One of his fans spent six months making a video to go with the title track of his debut album "Many Fish To Fry" [it's worth watching- "catch " it on You Tube ,you'll be "hooked"]. His songs have been played by national radio DJ's including Janice Long, Jo Whiley, Dermot O'Leary, Chris Hawkins and Tom Robinson. His music has been favourably compared with that of Ed Sheeran, Jack Johnson, Ben Howard and Newton Faulkner.

So now you know some facts about Jake. What about this, his debut album? Well, it does what it says on the tin. It's a fine first album from a talented songwriter and excellent guitarist. Most of the songs are unadorned acoustic numbers with just guitar and percussion but the single "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" has a bigger production with gospel choir backing vocals, electric guitar and handclaps. After being played by Dermot O'Leary, he commented "We like this alot". Jake's "tapping and slapping" technique comes to the fore on the track "Reeling".

One of my favourite tracks is the aforementioned "This City" which showcases Jakes amazing guitar playing [check out the video on You Tube -incredible]. Another bigger production is "Freddie Laid The Smackdown " which features some great vocal gymnastics and catchy tune. The album closes with "Inside My Mind", a gentle lullabye of a love song.

Jake recently received a fairly harsh review in The Guardian by Paul Lester .If you read that review, don't be put off checking out Jake's music because this is a most enjoyable album by a talented young man.

Peter Cowley

Also available as a deluxe set with DVD