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David Gilmour -
On An Island : : |
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Band/artist: David Gilmour
Title: On An Island
Label: Columbia
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1.
Castellorizon
2. On An Island
3. The Blue
4. Take A Breath
5. Red Sky At Night
6. This Heaven
7. Then I Close My Eyes
8. Smile
9. A Pocketful Of Stones
10. Where We Start
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: : The Players : :
David
Gilmour (guitars, vocals, electric piano, percussion, bass, piano,
saxophone, bass harmonica, cumbus, Hammond organ) – Andy Newmark (drums)
– Phil Manzanera (piano, keyboards) – Robert Wyatt (cornet, voice,
percussion) – David Crosby (vocals) – Graham Nash (vocals) – Richard
Wright (Hammond organ, vocals) – Rado Klose (guitar) – Guy Pratt (bass)
– Chris Thomas (keyboard) – Chris Stainton (Hammond organ) – Jools
Holland (piano) – Polly Samson (piano, vocals) – Ged Lynch (drums) –
Leszek Mozdzer (piano) – Caroline Dale (cello) – Chris Laurence (double
bass) – Ilan Eshkeri (programming) – Georgie Fame (Hammond organ) – B J
Cole (Weissenborn guitar) – Alasdair Malloy (glass harmonica) – Willie
Wilson (drums) – Lucy Wakeford (harp) |
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: : On An
Island : :
If you are reading this review you are familiar with David Gilmour and
there is no need to go over his resume. Many fans, including myself,
have been waiting along time for a solo record, so it was quite exciting
to finally listen to some new music from one of rock’s premier guitar
players. It must be stated that this is not a heavy rocking Gilmour but
one who seems to be very happy with where he is at right now. The music
is of a very personal nature which makes sense since his wife, Polly
Samson, helped with the lyrics. One gets the feeling when listening to
this disc that Gilmour is very content and seems to be ageing quite
gracefully.
So, what should you expect from this disc? The music is quite mellow,
with only one or two songs that really rock, however, you should not let
that scare you. Remember, some of Floyd’s best tunes were of the mellow
variety. Think Pillow of Winds and San Tropez from “Meddle” to get an
idea. If you appreciate Gilmour’s guitar playing you should like this.
The cd starts with the atmospheric Castellorizon. There are plenty of
neat sounds emanating from his guitar and other effects to give this
song a really Floyd sound. About midway through the song, there is an
absolutely classic solo that we have come to expect from Gilmour. On An
Island follows and is one of the disc’s best songs. Gilmour’s singing is
very nice and the harmony vocals of Crosby and Nash are very good. Add
to that Richard Wright’s organ and a ripping guitar solo, this would not
feel out of place on any number of Floyd albums.
Next is The Blue which exudes class with some wonderful singing from
Gilmour and nice harmonies from Wright. Gilmour’s solo here is
particularly nice - his high notes are just wonderful. The album’s
heaviest song is Take A Breath. Another Floyd-sounding song that reminds
me of something from A Momentary Lapse Of Reason. It includes some
ominous guitar work, some of the album’s best. Red Sky At Night follows,
featuring Gilmour’s stab at playing saxophone. He does an admirable job,
showing his versatility as a musician. This is an atmospheric
instrumental piece that is a pleasant listen.
This Heaven is a bluesy
number with a nice groove. Another Gilmour solo can be heard here which
is actually quite rocking and reminded me of “Meddle” era Floyd. Then I
Close My Eyes is the album’s second instrumental and has a lovely
melody. Soothing and airy sounding, this is one to listen to on a Sunday
morning. This can also be said of the next song Smile. This is a content
and peaceful sounding Gilmour, somewhat understated, but hitting all the
right notes.
A Pocketful Of Stones is another of my favourites which I believe has
Gilmour’s best singing on the disc. Another moody and mellow sounding
song. Gilmour’s emotional singing is matched only by his equally
emotional guitar playing. The disc ends with Where We start, another
quiet introspective song with a pleasant guitar solo. Also of note is
the excellent sound quality of this disc which was produced by Gilmour
along with Phil Manzanera and Chris Thomas.
So there you have it. I really liked this cd. I had expected a few more
up-tempo numbers, but Gilmour has earned the right to do what he wants
and I am not going to complain. I’ll take a mellow Gilmour over no
Gilmour any day of the week. Highly recommended - just do not expect
Dark Side Of The Moon Part II.
Rating: 8.5 (out of ten)
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
: : Visit the Artist’s
Website :
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: : Discography : :
On An Island (2006)
About Face (1984)
David Gilmour (1978) |
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