Paul Brady
Oh What A World

Review by Steven Stone
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CD Stock Number: Compass Records 7 4304 2

 

  Paul Brady is one of that rare breed of musicians who make their livings as professional songwriters. Paul's songs have been covered by Mark Knopfler, Bonnie Raitt, Tina Turner, Cher, and Carlos Santana. But unlike some songwriters who should let their material be delivered by more capable messengers, Brady has a voice and musical style equal to any superstar.

Folks who play the "sounds like" game will immediately think of Van Morrison and Dexy's Midnight Runners when they first hear Brady, due to the Celtic-based white soul sound that permeates his songs. But Brady is far more than another white R&B Morrison clone. His music focuses on beautifully constructed songs rather than milking riffs for maximum impact. Listen to "Traveling Light". Brady constructs a white-hot ball of blues energy that rocks like Robert Johnson on a speed-ball. He follows this with "Minutes Away, Miles Apart", a melancholy lament worthy of Billy Holiday.

Co-writers on Oh What A World include Carol King, Bob Theile, Ronan Keating, Conner Reeves, Mark Hudson, Will Jennings, Gary Nickolson, Dean Grakal, and Debbie Peterson. The core band playing on the album includes Greg Wells and Ian Maidman on bass, Rod McVeigh on organ, Anthony Drennan on guitar, and Lian Genocky on drums and percussion. Recorded at Windmill studios in Dublin and mastered by Simon Heyworth at ChopEmOut and Aidan Foley at Windmill Lane Mastering Lab the sound is smooth and slick without becoming homogenized.

If you aren't familiar with Paul Brady, Oh What A World is a fine place to start what should become a long-term relationship.

Enjoyment: 90

Sound Quality: 90