TO THE FAR AWAY

From the outset, you know this is going to be a (an electric) guitar driven Celtic venture - and the guitar work is stellar - but watch out, there's so many surprises and delights to this album.

Sally Minnear's voice and harmony has never sounded so good, it fits in the mix and shines, you really believe. The choice of Iain Hornal (10CC, Jeff Lynne's ELO) adds perfect weight, emotion and sense.

The orchestration is something else, very carefully balanced and full of interest. Who would have thought spoken word and bouzouki could sit so real ... the forward progression on that track alone gets the frisson going.

After my first few plays through, I've found myself lost in the bass playing (Jon Poole - Cardiacs) and drums (Frank van Essen - Iona) already. Such thought and care. And they both make flippin' amazing contributions too.

Dave has brought in many Celtic musicians, (stablemates from Iona Troy Donockley and Martin Nolan as well as John & Julie Cameron), their contributions weave magically. Again, the care, arrangement and placement is just so well done.

I've already mentioned Frank van Essen's extraordinary and imaginative drumming. He has a unique talent in being master of both drums and violin/viola. His string contributions are sumptuous as ever. Fellow countryman Jonas Pap makes fine contribution on cello.

Another piece to the whole work comes through the lyrics, particularly those of celebrated poet Lynn Caldwell. It's a melding of lyrics and tone that matches so well, again, it's believable.

Then there's moments of music that slam you with "wow". That doesn't happen to me often these days. I hope you get to feel this too.

I'm a sucker for bass pedal, if you're still in possession of a great hi fi then crank it and enjoy those passages where the bottom notes blaze your soul!

I feel like what I'm writing is a prog track in itself... all this time and I'm only just getting to the main theme! Dave wrote To The Far Away during (in his words) the "terrible times" of the Covid lockdown, and the heartbreak of enforced separation from his now wife Sharon. You feel this separation, lyrically and musically throughout. Big vast skies, and calling to your beloved through them. The concept itself creates a freshness, it's a valuable new addition to the collection.

I'm fascinated by what appear to be homage references: Ommadawn, Vaughan Williams, Floydian Eclipse... even Iona. If I'm hearing right, I wonder what more subtle references Dave might have waiting to be explored. For sure this is an album that reveals and rewards more with each play.

And so to the producer, guitarist (oh! the guitar work on this album), keys, and yes even bouzouki/mandolin . Let's just say to my ears anyway, he has excelled in all these in what - very high bar though it is - I personally feel on all levels is his best work yet.

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