Multi-instrumentalist spreads his solo wings
Already establishied as something of a boundary-breaking accompanist with the Vikki Clayton Band< Chris Conway's fourth solo album takes inspiration froma wide range of sources. Here folk makes friends with African, and Indian influences and produces plenty to enjoy, from the kalimba driven chant of City Breakdown and the dancey jive of Love On The Run to the swaggering title track. The backing vocals area joy (particularly Sally Barker on Before I Go, and Vikki Clayton on Love on the Run) and Roger Wilson's violin gives the whole affair a pleasant kick.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Its themes of gathering, celebration and departure are delivered in a kaleidoscopic patchwork-quilt of sounds, vivid, articulate and moving. 
If Conway's debut album was an assured artistic statement, then 'Earth Rising' is supremely confident music making. 
It's to his credit that despite the scale of his ambition, embracing a variety of fashionable and less-fashionable styles - Celtic roots, rock, pop, eastern drones, an ecologically aware singer-songwriter's concerns for his home planet - the sheer class of his arrangements, and the performances from Conway and his numerous guests (including Vikki Clayton, Sally Barker, Clive Bunker, Jodi Krangle and Dan Britton) results in a sound which is nothing less than exhilarating. It's no mean achievement, for such a musical potpourri can all too easily fall flat.
Conway's vocal is the thread which connects all the contrasting styles and moods, though the variety is consistently complementary. There are some glorious harmonies, thought-provoking lyrics and plenty of impeccable playing. A splendid collection which hits the spot, time and time again. Dave White
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Now and again, a CD comes along that just seems to ‘fit’ into whatever groove you’re into at that time. That feeling depends upon a wide range of variables all coinciding at the same point in time, space, mind, or wherever. For this reason, such an experience is very unusual, and the moment must be relished and savoured. This is an exceptional record. 
The music fits such a range of moods, emotions and settings that it is impossible to categorise - and why should we want to? The overall feel of the music is so positive in its general outlook and perspective on life that so far, I cannot tire of hearing it. 

Chris Conway has succeeded in creating a record that is inspirational and complete and I would recommend it to any-one who has a taste for quality music. Conway plays a multitude of instruments himself, including guitars, keyboards, tin whistles, zithers and bamboo flute. He is ably backed by a talented array of musicians and vocalists, including Roger Wilson, Vikki Clayton and Clive Bunker. The resultant sound is one which is full and yet is not cluttered or overbearing in any way. Conway, who also produced the record, has managed to concoct a fine balance between making a CD which is eminently listenable and yet challenging enough to be thought-provoking. 
Conway’s material, which is almost all self-penned, shows a diversity and sensitivity which adds to the experience. There are mystical and spiritual influences, alongside songs about nature, and a critique of modern city life. 
Highlights for me are ‘Age of Miracles’ - which sets the achievements of the human race against the needs of those who do not share in the fruits of that progress, and ‘Before I Go’ - which has the line: ‘And I don’t know if it’s worth talking anymore, when we can read each other’s minds...’ 
But it is Conway’s love songs which are the most touching. ‘A Little Bit of Loving’ is sung from the heart and benefits from a simple delivery - with vocals by Conway and Jodi Krangle, accompanied only by Conway’s piano (Just a smile, would tear down the wall....). ‘Love on the Run’ is a song which gives some hope to lovers everywhere - ‘Let me know that you need me, but don’t ever tell me why...’ 
Chris Conway deserves to achieve considerable success with Earth Rising. The problem is, that set against the insipid bulk of current musical outpouring, it is just too good. It will probably fail to be noticed because it does not form part of that mass-produced, and yet utterly marketable mediocrity that all too often passes for musical talent. Let’s hope I’m totally wrong.
- David Wardle
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Chris Conway hails from the USA but I think he has been resident in England for some time now. The list of people who have worked with him includes Vikki Clayton, Jo Freya, members of Jethro Tull, Fairport Convention and Jazz Orient - as well as leading world musicians including Dr. L. Sunramanium and Talvin Singh. 
He's played many of the large festivals and had some media exposure. I mention this just to give some idea of the diversity of Chris's influences and music.
Earth Rising is, I suppose, what is called a concept album - whatever that means. It's his fourth and pretty good it is too, although on first listening I found it much too complicated to understand. Perseverance and repeated plays though have paid off as I find the curious mixture of sounds somehow hypnotic. Celtic flutes interweave with Indian vocals and Irish bodhran. Irish reels mix with ethnic vocals or Chris's delicate voice. Electric and acoustic guitars mix seamlessly but that's only the surface. He has obviously called in a few favours as the list of guests runs to nearly thirty!!! For me this is one of the more interesting albums I've heard for some time, as each some is packed with comment and meaning. Definitely worth a listen.
Finally about Chris himself. Let's just say that the tag multi-instrumentalist is one of the great understatements. The list is nearly as long as the guest list on "Earth Rising". Well worth a listen.
                            Read more...