Broken Windows featuring Liz Jones on vocals on an energetic and stunning third album.
Release Date: 8th November 2024
Label: independent
Format: CD
A bouncy and cheery opener immediately gets the music juices rapidly flowing and is reprised as the last track too with a slightly different mix but still as lively, maintaining the infectious beat. There is an appealing tremolo in Liz Jones distinctive vocals which along with John Bruce’s virtuoso guitar work sets the bar high for the remainder of the album. It doesn’t let up either, with chiming jazzy guitar chords and deep toned riffs filling Takin’ Your Time that features a guest appearance from James Oliver.
versatility
The emotional Broken Lens amplifies their versatility on the album. The passionate lyrics are delivered with an all round sound topped by some delicious keyboard work from Jamie Hamilton which gradually works its way to the front, almost screaming at you by end.
Lethargy follows; a smoky blues, whisky guzzling number with Liz pulling off some heart rending vocal work, sometimes soft, sometimes yearning. The pace drops even further for another soul seeking number with lyrics matching the affectionate warm hearted delivery.
dancing mode
Double Measures puts us back in dancing mode with a scatty jumpy blues but the mood, tempo and flavour alters drastically again with the groovy Mother Earth. A Welsh link continues with the jaunty Bala Man with John Bruce bringing his skills to the fore. Can’t Go Home reveals yet another astonishing string to their bow with some sultry vocals from Liz and twangy slide guitar from John . Yet again though, it’s another team effort from the band when the pace increases for more perky ending.
The snappiness continues with clicky percussion from drummer Gary Davidson persisting, whilst the rest of the band create a kaleidoscope of sounds. His wide range of tempos and rhythms provides a pulsating engine room working with Rod Kennard on bass. This track highlights the precision and clarity of the production throughout the album when although some playing may be deep in the mix you are always aware that its there contributing to the whole sound with instruments suddenly lifted to take a lead.
one for the collection
This is one of those albums to have in your collection which when searching for something to play, you can rely on a pleasing hour or so listen . Every facet of blues is unearthed yet the album leaves you with a festival feelgood mood. It’s certainly one that’s going to hang around in my car for a while to brighten up a dull journey.
Here’s Johnny Know The Roads:
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