Reviewed by Phil Thomson

If you like your rock in an intimate setting, here it is. lt's all personal angst and home-spun philosophy - delivered in a restrained, almost cosy manner. The multi-talented Blackmore has produced his own debut album and surrounded himself with the best of Nashville regulars, including Nigel Olsen on drums, and on bass, the late Dee Murray (both ex-Elton John Band) - so what you get is economic, wonderfully crafted music. Jon is already in the studio working on a second album, filling the gaps between award-winning film scripts and film production - which accounts for the sheer energy and directness of the sound. Yet it is also sensitive; he is not afraid of cello and violin when it is the only way to add poignancy to what he is saying. In all, it is a value-for-money studio album which feels as if it should be live...because you just know this guy has rapport. You can tell from the lived-in rock anthem voice and the faintly disguised been-there-done-that lyrics, offered in a way which "relate to the person that is underneath the veneer". I imagine that is why the sleevenotes close with the exhortation 'LISTEN TO THIS CD WITH HEADPHONES'. I did. It works.

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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