Album Review: Nick Belcher – Shadows
This album is very much a personal journey featuring all original songs from Nick Belcher, with each song telling its own story.
The stand out track for me is the Cuban-tinged On The Wing with some energetic soloing from Kent-based pianist Frances Knight and some tight, confident drumming by Winston Clifford.
The sandwich-loving guitarist Nick Belcher also plays vibraphone on the dreamy ballad Now Voyager, sandwiching Jan Ponsford’s vocal work with gentle melodies.
After the bossa nova Bud Checked Out I was craving some good old fashioned swing. This arrives in the form of Late Again, with some excellent scat improvisation from Jan Ponsford. Given that Jan is one of the best improvisors on the south coast, I would have liked to have heard more of her improvising.
This isn’t quite a ‘jazz’ album, more of a jazz-influenced songwriter’s album but what sets it apart is the top-notch musicianship from all involved.
I give this album 8 shadowy motorcycles out of 10.
Charlie Anderson
Musicians:
Nick Belcher, guitar, mandolin, vibraphone
Jan Ponsford, lead and backing vocals
Winston Clifford, drums, percussion and backing vocals
Frances Knight, piano, accordion and backing vocals
Terry Pack, double bass, bass guitar and backing vocals
James McMillan, trumpet, flugelhorn, Eb tenor horn and additional keyboards
Rob Leake, tenor and baritone saxophones
Tracks:
Camden Town
Already Gone
There’s Magic
Lucky Me
On The Wing
A Minute Past
Personal Touch
Now Voyager
Crying’s For Losers
Bud Checked Out
Late Again
Singing In American
Something In My Eye
Availability:
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