Reviewed by Ian Hayter

The riverside village of Upton-On-Severn has few claims to fame beyond annual jazz and folk festivals and a regular spot on news programmes during the flooding season. But it is now becoming known as the birthplace of hard-working singer, pianist and top banana of the small but perfectly formed Got Got Need Records. Luke has since moved to Southampton and 'Garde Ta Foy, Garde Ta Foy' ('Keep Your Faith ...') is the young troubadour's debut outing from 2006. Here are 12 songs of melodic English whimsy that have about them an air of The Afternoons (especially the sultry trumpet passages) and, occasionally, the wistful sadness of the late Nick Drake. From the opening "Nothing Has Changed" through to "It Never Lasts", the lyrics are articulate - almost poetic in places - although the titles betray a certain sense of disappointment and regret (as well as the two already mentioned, we have "The Rain Will Come Again", "Mountain To Climb", "I Miss Those Summers" and "Too Little Too Late"). The tunes are generally pretty cheerful but Mr Leighfield's voice is something of an acquired taste. The production is very good, with some fine arrangements using brass (including French horn), cello and sax along with the singer's own piano, organ and violin, and this album is well worth a listen particularly if you're one of the many entranced by Luke's performance at Greenbelt 2010. In fact, give it several listens. It really grows on you.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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