Album Reviews

Seasick Steve – You Can’t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks (Play It Again Sam B004UJ2KZK) £11.99: Since being propelled to fame in 2006, former hobo Seasick Steve has brought authentic American blues back to the UK mainstream. Five years on this is his fifth collection of original tracks. His deep, crooning croak and wise-man lyrics continue the nostalgic yet reflective theme of past releases, particularly the heart-breaking, anti-materialistic opener Treasures, but he still manages some foot-stomping numbers such as Back In The Doghouse. Released on Jack White’s label in the US, there are discreet influences to Steve’s sound, but ultimately it is another record of what he does best. NB

CocknBullKid – Adulthood (Island/Moshi Moshi B004VLGQRA) £10.99: Singer-songwriter Anita Blay, aka CocknBullKid, first emerged in 2008 with electro-pop single On My Own. Now with her debut album, the lyrics are personal and sometimes introspective, the melodies bold and bright. Hold Onto Your Misery has a driving Motown stomp, and the eponymous track CocknBullKid would not sound out of place on a Kate Bush album in a parallel universe. Bellyache is sweet and fanciful while I Deserve It closes the album and suggests Anita isn’t so sweet at times. A strong and consistent debut. LA

Saint-Saens & Chopin – Cello Sonatas (Signum SIGCD252) £12.99: North York Moors Chamber Music Festival’s international stars, Jamie Walton and Daniel Grimwood, offer intensely passionate performances of two of the most overtly romantic cello sonatas. The Saint-Saens Second is here full of heroic power, its long lyric passages sweeping forward in a golden glow of cello tone. Grimwood’s piano makes a powerful partner that continues in a rhythmically pliable and vigorous reading of Chopin’s neglected score. Excellent recording that perfectly captures the beauty of Walton’s playing. DD

Schumann – Piano Sonata No.3, Piano Quintet (Artact AR 003) £13.99: Appearing in this year’s Harrogate festival following his outstanding performances at the 2009 Leeds Piano Competition, David Kadouch’s latest disc shows a pianist of remarkable musical insight. Removing years of musical encrustations, he joins with the Quatuor Aradeo in a totally fresh, vivid and youthful approach to the Quintet, while his innate musicality and formidable technique create a vibrant Third Sonata here played in its original ‘Concerto sans orchestra’ format. However, the recording quality is a little opaque in the quintet. DD