Search - Dave Lambert :: Work in Progress

Work in Progress - Dave Lambert - Highly Recommended

Lindsay Sorrell | Here | 05/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Work in Progress" is a superb album of material written by Dave Lambert. Dave has a voice which is both powerful and versatile; he writes some great lyrics, and his guitar playing is top-rate. This album then is a collection of great diversity of songs, all written and sung by Dave who to date has been best known as lead guitarist and vocalist with the Strawbs. Dave Lambert's voice has always had a more universal appeal than that of Dave Cousins (lead vocalist with the Strawbs) and it is great to get the chance to hear Dave Lambert singing an entire album of his work rather than just the occasional track as on albums by the Strawbs.This is Dave's second solo album, and what an excellent collection of songs it is. The opening song "The Man I Saw Last Night" is really catchy with some great acoustic guitar playing - a highly memorable track. This is followed by recordings dating back to early 1970's when Dave played with "Fire" and "King Earl Boogie Band". Recent recordings include "The Visit" which is a lovely traditional-sounding folky song and "Shadowland" which again features some excellent guitar playing from Dave."Live inside your Hell Tonight" is one of the album's highlights in my opinion, with thought-provoking lyrics exploring the role of conscience and guilt. I also adore "Remember Me Always" - this track featured on Dave's first solo album "Framed" which was recorded in the US way back around 1978 (despite contributions from highly respected musicians including John Entwhistle it never gained the attention it deserved at that time - maybe it will have a second chance now Dave has released this latest album of his work). A live recording of a track from the Strawbs "Bursting at the Seams" album appears - "The Winter and the Summer", which is a beautiful song sensitively sung by Dave. The final track is called "Bovver Blues" - it's an amusing bluesy style song. This guy is so versatile!Dave Lambert should already be well known for his contributions to music, not just as a member of the Strawbs but on his solo merits. Several members of the Strawbs have deserved a lot more credit for their solo works than they have received to date, such as John Ford (three solo albums) Chas Cronk who has produced a "New Age" relaxation album called "Mystic Mountain Music", (and who mastered "Work in Progress" according to the sleeve notes). Another of the Strawbs, Brian Willoughby produces high quality folk music with Cathryn Craig.Back to "WIP", I would strongly recommend this album."