http://www.proper-records.co.uk
Irish singer-songwriter, Paul Brady is a true journeyman if ever there were one. It has been a long, exciting road taken by him (and his music) for the one-time member of The Johnstons and Planxty back in the early, mid-1970s before he went solo, countless albums and projects later that he has lent his talent to Brady has a few stories and songs under his belt to prove it.
The Vicar Street Sessions are culled from a succession of dates Brady performed throughout October 2001 at Dublin’s popular Vicar Street venue. Brady had a bunch of fellow acts from far and wide drop by, Bonnie Raitt, Mark Knopfler, Curtis Stigers, Ronan Keating, Gavin Friday and Maurice Seezer, Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, Eleanor McEvoy, Maura O’Connell, Mary Black and Moya Brennan a list from who’s who of roots music present. More releases look to be on the way..., Tim O'Brien who isn't on here is mentioned in the liner notes as being among those to drop by an others will get their turn at a later date.
Brady says, 'at times I was a spectator in my own show as my guests, my friends, took the roof off Vicar Street. I knew then we’d captured something special’ and he wasn’t wrong. Brady’s ability as a songwriter isn’t to be questioned. His songs are in some ways similar to those of Nick Lowe in the manner he can work on a current event, happening whatever and bring it to life. He’s prolific too, and seen everyone from Carole King to Tina Turner, Cher, Bonnie Raitt, David Crosby, Art Garfunkle, Joe Cocker and Phil Collins, plus Irish acts Ronan Keating, Dickie Rock, Joe Dolan O’Connell, Black, and Liam Clancy among others pick up on his work.
Among the standouts on Vol. 1 he shares a stellar, Knopfler aided “Baloney Again”, a more perfect match you would be pressed to find. The relaxed approach works a treat, Knopfler is a master on leading a listener through a backdrop of story-lines and, or simple travel etched playing. Brady’s work with Bonnie Raitt likewise is first-class on “Not The Only One”, and then with her on slide guitar and vocals too “The World Is What You Make It” also lends a little magic. Brennan, Black and O’Connell lend wonderful support on Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” as the old chestnut gains one of its better covers.
Brady’s vocals, other than on the more stripped down pieces are of the kind I can take or leave, but when he teams up with Sinead O’Connor on the a cappella “In This Heart” (O’Connor) a greater admiration takes over. Likewise Morrison on his own “Irish Heartbeat” provides Brady with a suitable partner, alongside those with Raitt and O’Connor you have another lady, Eleanor McEvoy rise to the task on her composition “Last Seen October 9th” that speaks of a girl who goes missing. Supported by solo piano ( Brady ) their voices meld together beautifully, but it is McEvoy’s handling on lead that impressed me most. She’s never sounded better!
Maurice Hope