Unity

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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0714822050821 Label: Topic Manufacturer: Topic Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Topic Release Date: 2000-05-01 Studio: Topic
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Editorial Reviews: Although he's long been a mainstay of the British folk scene with the band Home Service, Unity is surprisingly John Tams' first solo album. Or perhaps it's not so surprising. This album's most striking and attractive virtue is Tams' evocative, Yorkshire-inflected voice, which he employs to good effect in singing his gritty lyrics about the plight of the working man. Musically, though, it's a bit of a mixed blessing, with upbeat folk-rock numbers cast straight from the Steeleye Span/Fairport Convention mould (like the opening "Whole New Vision") alongside plaintive ballads in which Tams is at his most vocally expressive, and even a miner's protest song, "Harry Stone", that sounds uncomfortably dated. The standout track is the medley "Somewhere the Sun is Shining/Hold Back the Tide" in which Tams duets with the wonderful Linda Thompson. He also recalls his role in the TV series Sharpe with "Spanish Bride", a song he performed on the soundtrack Over The Hills And Far Away: The Music Of Sharpe. Overall, it's an album that will delight his many fans, but is unlikely to persuade newcomers that the British folk-rock scene has anything strikingly new to offer. --Mark Walker
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: What makes John Tams' songs so special? Comment: What makes John Tams' songs so special? Well, he has a genius for melody, and his words are intelligent and imaginative. His obvious sympathy with the underdog, both past and present, lends sincerity to his singing and provides much original material. But musically, the reason why these are songs are so unusual is that they are obviously written by a singer, not by a guitarist or a pianist. The melodies seem unrelated to any obvious chords. The rhythms are hard to pin down. They change and develop as Tams shortens or lengthens his lines and changes his pace. The musicians have to follow along as best they can (and they do so brilliantly). The folk-rock of the past was generally driven by the rhythm section of a band. Although Sandy Denny would sometimes lag behind or forge ahead, Tam's goes one stage further. His strong vocals definitely lead the band. The musicians accompany him, and the accompaniment itself has endless variations. Another delightful touch, probably owing something to Tams' early contact with Joe Boyd (original producer for Fairport, Sandy Denny etc.) comes in the odd little musical digressions, unexpected and delightful: a change of rhythm, an unexpected instrument, a snatch of melody or harmony unrelated to the main song, leading into it or out of it. The end result is not merely a dozen familiar tunes you like to whistle while walking the dog; neither the melodies nor the rhythms will allow for that. They are songs (or rather cycles of songs and snatches of songs) that you want to hear again and again, to rediscover exactly how they went. Some musical moments will appeal more than others, but none are so easily remembered that you grow weary of them. Their appeal is a lasting one. "Home" was the first of Tams' solo recordings that I heard and (perhaps for that reason) remains my favourite. But the whole trilogy (with "Unity" and "The Reckoning") remains an ongoing delight. Customer Rating: Summary: A superb album... Comment: John Tams is best known among the general public as the "shaggy guy who sings" from the "Sharpe" films. This does him a serious injustice - over the years he has been a member of a number of bands (including "The Albion Band" and "Home service") and has been very involved with a large number of theatre and radio productions, both musically and as an actor. All this has given him a phenomenal amount of experience. For this reason his first SOLO album (he has been involved in countless compilation albums or as a member of a band) is superb. Testament to this are the two awards it won at the BBC folk awards in 2001 - best album and best song ("Harry Stone"). If however, you think folk is not your thing, don't reject "Unity" out of hand. This album is immensly approachable from almost any aspect largely due to the way it tackles modern social issues that affect us all. This coupled with Tam's unique voice lends real feeling to the songs - somehow, you know this is a guy who cares. All in all, Unity is a fantastic album, full of feeling, it can be enjoyed by people from many musical persuasions. Highly recommended... Customer Rating: Summary: A Wonderful Suprise Find Comment: I found this album by chance while looking for something else, and I am very glad I did. Home Service produced superb music (their 'Alright Jack' is a classic must-have), and here John Tams has built and developed that sound. I've had the record two weeks and played nothing else in that time! Customer Rating: Summary: Excellent mix of folk music Comment: this album has a very good mix of the styles of music that John Tams is best at and includes music from the Sharpe TV series. His voice has a quality you cannot find words that do him justice. I would recommend this to anyone Customer Rating: Summary: just put this cd on repeat! Comment: If this isn't in the mandatory "folk" album slot at the next Mercury Music Awards then there is no justice. John Tams has built on his years of involvement with the folk scene, in the excellent Home Service, and in the theatre to produce music that can not only stir up your blood to stand up for your rights as in "Unity"and "Harry Stone" but also reach your heart as in "Winds of Change" with its evocative feel. This music can cheer you up and make you think at the same time. More Reviews