Sometimes age isn’t kind. Judgement becomes cloudy, and previously unsullied back catalogues become minefields. So there’s always a bit of baited breath when artists such as Bryan Ferry (69 as it happens) decide to bring out a new album.
Avonmore, out on November 17th, follows on from “The Jazz Age” and his more that passing contribution to Bazz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby”. Certainly he’s pulled together a premier league line up, a house band which includes Johnny Marr , Nile Rodgers and Marcus Miller feature throughout the album, and a shifting cast of guests including Flea, Ronnie Spector, Mark Knopfler and Maceo Parker.
Among the eight new compositions and two covers (Sondheim’s “Send In The Clowns” and Robert Palmers “Johnny and Mary”) is the new single, Loop De Li. There’s a smoothness about the whole thing, a new take on the white soul that cover subject Palmer had. Among the saxophone and guitar interjections and glistening production is perfect pop all wrapped up with Ferry’s unmistakable vocal, exposing the quivering soul of the thing.
Breathe easy on this one. Looks like Avonmore will add to that catalogue, not take away.
| http://www.bryanferry.com/ http://www.youtube.com/bryanferry |
