Since he co-founded the influential band, Van der
Graaf Generator in 1967 with Peter Hammill, Judge Smith has been involved
in many different music projects, either as composer, librettist or
performer, but he has released only a small number of albums, culminating
in the massive, double-CD, narrative work 'Curly's Airships' of
2000.
His first album since the release of this epic
'songstory', Judge's new CD is a return to a more traditional format. 'The Full English' is an album of songs accompanied by a small group, mainly of
acoustic instruments. Accordion, guitar, piano, organ, bass and drums, in
various combinations, give the album an 'unplugged' feel, and showcase
a collection of Judge's songs that are as original, unusual, and
downright quirky, as one would expect from this unconventional and
surprising artist.
Judge's songs often tell stories, with lyrics that
are sometimes sad, sometimes funny, and often manage to be both at the
same time. Musically, he has cast a wide net for this CD. Eastern European
Gypsy-flavoured numbers, songs in the retro-rock tradition, narrative
chansons, full-on café Tango, Reggae, and even Hip-Hop beats put in an
appearance; but whatever stylistic nods he makes, he fills the CD with
instantly memorable tunes that stick in the mind in a most persistent way.
Despite Judge's eclectic approach to songwriting,
'The Full English' sounds surprisingly coherent and consistent, due mainly
to his choice of musicians. The guitar and bass of John Ellis (of the
Vibrators, Peter Gabriel Band, Peter Hammill's K Group, and the
Stranglers), Michael Ward-Bergeman's work on accordion, piano and organ,
and the contributions of percussionist René van Commenée, create a
distinctive and congenial sound-world, with Michael's remarkable
accordion skills being a particular feature.
Recorded in England and Holland by musicians from England, the USA and
the Netherlands, and mixed in Italy by an Italian producer, Marco Olivotto,
'The Full English', despite its title, has an international feel. Perhaps
his most immediately accessible album to date, those who already know
Judge's work will certainly not be disappointed by this CD; while those
who have not yet heard his music will find 'The Full English' an excellent
introduction to this refreshingly unconventional, and very 'English',
talent.
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