Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

His first album since 1983's 'When You're Down At The Bottom. . .', British-born French resident and singer/songwriter Tony Clay has made something of a surprise but welcome return. Sounding vocally like a cross between Mark Knopfler and a latter day Dylan, this is a collection of rootsy songs that have presumably been left to mature during Clay's lengthy fallow period - the result being a set of songs chock full of world weary wisdom and reflection that, like the singer, have ripened with age. Refreshingly, a wide range of subjects are covered with Clay musing over heavier matters like conservation ("The Land") and expertly-delivered self-explanatory numbers such as "Poor Man's Justice" and "Lullaby For A Dying Child" whilst a healthy dose of nostalgia is dished up in "Golden Days" and "Memory Train". To help keep things interesting, Clay and his band have succeeded in varying the style of each song with the late night blues of "Save It For A Rainy Day" sitting comfortably next to upbeat numbers like the unashamedly political "Black Man In A White House". Clay's Christian faith is referenced in earthy fashion via the biographical "Noah" and the heartfelt "Elijah's Lament" to round off an overdue but nonetheless rewarding release.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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