Footsteps Review

Footsteps
Chris de Burgh
2008
Ferryman Productions

When I heard Chris was recording a 'Covers' Album, my immediate reaction was a mixture of anticipation: which songs would he choose to record, and trepidation: would he carry it off.

As I listened to the Album, anticipation turned to delight and trepidation to elation. Once again, the Master produced a Masterpiece.

The artwork on the Album is first class with a lovely glossy booklet containing, not only all the lyrics, but gorgeous pictures of Chris.

Firststeps leads us gently in to Chris' musical journey with an haunting piano solo and echoing voice from Chris. Very quickly we are transported to

Turn, Turn, Turn, which is the new single from the Album. This is lively with wonderful guitar rhythms, very catchy and is very well sung with lovely harmonies.

The Long and Winding Road has a beautiful piano accompaniment, fabulous orchestration and sung with a feeling that other Artists fail to do.

Africa is just sensational. It clearly highlights the depth and breadth of Chris' vocal range. Again, beautiful harmonies. This song has to be heard to be appreciated.

Without You is sung with such feeling and, in my opinion, probably the most difficult song to emulate. Chris' version is absolutely wonderful. You can hear the passion in his voice and when he hits the top note, shivers run down my spine.

Where Have All The Flowers Gone is another well known song. However, the words, from other Artist who have recorded it, seem to be lost. Not so with Chris. Once again the listener can hear the feeling and passion in his voice. The pace of the song is perfect, allowing us to really hear the lyrics and feel the true meaning of the song.

Sealed With A Kiss Chris draws the listener in to the heart of the song. He sings it as if he is actually singing to you. I love the song and his enunciation, especially the most important word in the song.........kiss.

Blackbird appears to be quite a simple song, sung with his son Hubie on Guitar. The Guitar playing is wonderful, clear, musical and with appropriate crescendos and rits. Not an easy task as the Guitarist has to move energetically up and down the fret board, with constantly changing timings and rhythms, as the listener can clearly hear, making it a much more intimate sound. Coupled with Chris' voice, it is a beautiful interpretation.

We Can Work It Out Personally I didn't like this song sung by the Beatles. However, Chris' version is, in my opinion, less harsh and I definitely prefer it. The more I listen, the more I like it.

All Along The Watchtower is a song unfamiliar to me. On listening to it, with fresh ears, I can see how it was such an influence in his musical journey as a songwriter.

Corrina, Corrina is another song I hadn't heard before. I just love it. Wonderful Guitar accompaniment and melody.

Polly Von is also new to me, however, I loved it the first time I heard it. Perfect for Chris. Another very believable performance, sung with heart and soul and telling a very sad story, which is Chris' forte.

American Pie is probably the most well known of all the songs. I have heard Chris sing this many times before, usually on his own. It is nice to hear it with full backing, vocally as well as instrumentally.

The Last Thing On My Mind is probably my favourite on the Album. The feeling with which Chris sings this song actually had me in tears. He really sings as if he means everything he is singing and not just going through the motions. Beautiful Guitar accompaniment once again with subtle orchestration in the background. Simple but very, very effective.

Footsteps ends the musical journey faultlessly. Chris gently coaxes our imagination to walk alongside him. Beautiful orchestration once again with a simple piano link leading to a wonderful guitar solo, culminating with full Orchestra and singing. Just Perfect.

In my opinion, Chris has chosen a good mix of songs, suited to his voice and style of singing, allowing him to show off his wonderful vocal range, musicality and passion for his craft.

He brings a freshness to, what are effectively, old songs. Re-inventing them with passion and vitality.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this Album.

There is one additional track for the UK only release called Rhythm of the Rain/Crying in the Rain which I have yet to hear in full.