Search - John Greaves :: Songs

A Welshman in Paris

06/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Definitely Greaves' best album! Low-key, beautiful, melancholy songs in very tasteful acoustic arrangements. Sort of laid-back-art-rock-jazz-standards by a nostalgic Welshman in a smoky French café. Guest vocals by (among others) Robert Wyatt (in charming and improved re-recordings of "Kew Rhone" and "The song", the latter off The Lodge's "Smell of a friend" album) and Kristoffer Blegvad. Indeed, many of the songs would fit in well on just about any Robert Wyatt album: same mood, same melodies. Mainly French musicians that I have never heard of, however their playing is GREAT. Lots of double bass, piano and acoustic guitars, and very fresh sound quality. *The* place to begin your acquaintance with mr. Greaves!"

RADIANT

Kerry Leimer | Makawao, Hawaii United States | 08/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This music is so good, I'm afraid to even try writing about it. So, forgive me if this does not do justice to "Songs". While the music of Mr. Greaves is not always easy to like - sometimes it seems too self-involved and opaque, sometimes abstract simply to be abstract - everything on "Songs" has its place, its purpose, and an incredible polish. The word play and musical evolution of the first track, "Song", alone is beyond most of what's out there. Even more remarkable is the feeling that this music so closely touches on the brilliance of some of the work with Slapp Happy on "Desparate Straights" with an added maturity, subtlety and control that is breathtaking to behold. "Songs" arrives at an incredible balance between eccentricity and meaning that is capable of resonating in the hearts and minds of anyone who listens. This is a collection of remarkable writing and performing that feels pure, very human, very smart and stunning in its completeness and restraint. There is not a single miscue, and nowhere do the musicians overstep, even with the incongruous messages disguised here and there throughout the mix. Buy it, and just see if you can stop listening."