 | | Reviews | | |  THE HUSH
Dark To The Sky
Mawson & Wareham Music MWMCD SP554
Seminal album alert! Formed last summer by guitarist/singer Jed Grimes (Hedgehog Pie/Jack The Lad), this new band brings a wealth of jazz, funk, blues and soul influences to some choice material from the north-east of England's vast repertoire. Songs from 19th century social observers Joe Wilson and Tommy Armstrong (The Pitman's Poet), contemporary bard Johnny Handle and that famous composer Trad Arr are filtered through Grimes' expert hands, the magnificent vocals of Bob Fox and an outfit of majorly talented musicians to emerge brand spanking new. No bandwagon fusions or self-indulgent posturings here: the arrangement always serves the song and results in the classiest, freshest approach you're likely to hear this decade.
There's a surprise at every turn: a dark A U Hinny Bird metamorphoses into a sparkling township romp; the cool, jaunty Bonny Gateshead Lass soars off into a liquid jazz break courtesy of Garry Linsley's sexy sax; touches of Junior Walker permeate the funky Shoemaker; danceable grooves give way to gripping ballads. Bob Fox's expressive, supple voice delivers every time, especially on the beautiful Sair Fyel'd Hinny where it's borne along by Graham Wood's ethereal piano. Paul Smith (drums/percussion) and Neil Harland (electric/double bass) make up the tightest rhythm section you could wish for. For the finisher, Grimes's Fender Strat takes Byker Hill into the purest axe-fuelled rock territory, reclaiming its anthemic status along the way.
Impeccable playing, inspired content, perfect production. As animateur and producer of this project, Jed Grimes has pulled a corker. It'd be nice if this visionary gem was the catalyst for some long-deserved recognition: this is the album the north-east has been awaiting for years.
Mel McClellan - September 2002
See also:
Bob Fox: Borrowed Moments
Jed Grimes: Head On
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Folk & Acoustic
