Kategorie: CD-Reviews | Genre: Singer-Songwriter, Rock | Heft: Jahrgang 2014, eclipsed Nr. 164 / 10-2014 | VÖ-Jahr: 2014 | Wertung: 8/10 | Label: Creek | Autor: KT
"Life doesn't run like it does on railroad tracks," sings John Illsley. Who could know better than the ex-Dire-Straits bassist who defeated leukemia after twelve years. With the urgency gained from this life experience, he presents his new solo album, the first without Mark Knopfler. Nevertheless, the 65-year-old cannot deny his musical origins. The use and sound of the guitars, the saxophone and the keyboards could have taken place on a Straits-/Knopfler album. So Straits fans get their money's worth. Illsley writes about his helplessness during hospital stays ("Railway Tracks"), but also biting criticism of British foreign policy ("Run For Cover"). The plant was produced by Illsley in collaboration with ex-Straits keyboarder Guy Fletcher. What might seem too short with eight tracks and 37:13 min. shows exactly that Illsley made an album out of his gut: Shortly into the studio and zack, burned on the disc - courageous and clearly more than just a test run.
Top Track: Run For Cover
