Miller Anderson

This is one of the most relaxed albums you will hear this year – which is not to say that it is either bland or lacking in dynamics, it is neither. What it is is a collection of numbers played by four musicians who know each others music and who are completely happy with what they are playing. Anderson has a fantastic musical history and plays with elegance and finesse but he also writes a great song and from the soaring guitar and organ of 'City Blues’ to 'Eye On The Prize’ raunch or the country feel of 'Rich Man Poor Man’ and the smoky Blues and soul of 'Fog On The Highway’ we are in class country here.

Anderson’s voice is expressive and musical but his real strength is in the guitar playing which is entirely stunning. The rest of the band are similarly highest grade – Frank Tischer keyboards are exactly the counterpoint that the vocal and guitar needs, Paul Burgess’ drums are almost minimalistic but never miss the right rill or rimshot and Kris Gray plays bass with a real fluidity and melody.

Considering the number of musicians and bands whose output has been graced by Miller Anderson it would be amazing to hear nothing familiar in his sound but you do need to remember sometimes that he was the guy who originated much of what is 'standard’ today.

Very much an album for people of 'a certain age’ but for those people this should be compulsory listening.