STARFIELD

Here we have a six-track 25-minute-long EP/album from Gordon Giltrap which was released earlier this year with all proceeds going to charity. I have been a fan of his music for nearly 50 years, and do not think that is going to change any time soon with this being yet another wonderfully reflective selection of music underpinned by his delicate classical acoustic guitar. I am sure if I was played just a few bars of "The Fox At Dawn" (which features keyboards by Mark Guyatt) I would be able to quickly recognise who was behind it. The same is true of any of the songs contained on here, and I love the solo "Small Pockets of Joy" which was inspired by "Substitute", and one can hear how it commences in that manner before moving on and away.

This set is bookended by "Starfield", the closing number being the original instrumental and the opening now containing vocals (the only song to do so). Apparently Giltrap shared a dream about his late wife Hilary with his friend, the poet and song writer Rhona Dickson. She was deeply moved by the story and felt compelled to write some words and a melody line over the top of her favourite song and Giltrap liked it so much that he asked Welsh singer songwriter Susy Wall to perform it, and this is the result. I like both versions, as the vocals have made it quite different, and it is difficult to pick a favourite. Giltrap has been at the forefront of wonderful acoustic guitar based music for nearly 60 years now, and this release demonstrates that while he is now 77 years old, he still has plenty to offer the world in terms of sheer beauty and delicacy ? something we all need in these troubled times.