This is Gareth’s third album, and while his previous releases have been warmly received, it’s this album that looks likely to see him gain a much higher profile on the UK’s folk and singer/songwriter scene.
He covers similar songwriting and musical ground to established artists such as Show of Hands, Jez Lowe and Megson, where contemporary subjects meet with smart melodies and subtle folk influences – it’s fairly well trodden ground, but like the previously mentioned acts, he’s one of the few who manage to carry it off with the right balance.
Bringing together the right musicians certainly helps, and he’s called on the services of some excellent musicians including Kevin McGuire (Karine Polwart Band), Jez Lowe, Yvonne Lyon and Shona Mooney; between them they create an album that sound contemporary still has it’s roots very much in the British folk tradition.
The quality of his writing is plain to see on many of the 13 tracks; the songs are full of people, places and situations, and his own politics and thoughts present for all to see on tracks such as ‘Butterfly’ and ‘Shoreline of Ghosts’. The one traditional track amongst his own songs is a fantastic reading of ‘Black Velvet Band’, but it’s his own material that stands out, especially the compelling story of a tragedy at sea in ‘Princess Victoria’.
‘Water and Light’ is a strong contemporary singer/songwriter album, easy on the ear melodies and high quality arrangements sit side by side with thoughtful lyrics; the results are an album that will deservedly capture the attention of wide audience.
Track listing
1 Borderland
2 Breathe
3 Scottish Lights
4 Shoreline Of Ghosts
5 First Light
6 Butterfly
7 Cost
8 Backwards
9 Black Velvet Band
10 Water
11 One Life
12 Princess Victoria
13 Path To Windy Gyle
