Producer: Clive Gregson, Engineer: Paul Adshead, Tracks: Camden Town; Feathers; Mary's Divorce; Gabriel; My Eyes Gave the Game Away; Medicine House; Black Train Coming; Box Number; Blue Rose; My Favourite Lies; Restless; Lily of the Valley; When This War is Over
Clive Gregson is known for his involvement with several artists or groups in the folk and pop worlds. His pop band Any Trouble is an under-recognized group from the early 80s. His work with Christine Collister (they recorded five albums together) has brought some critical acclaim and some commercial recognition. Gregson and Collister also performed as members of Richard Thompson's band for several tours and on a number of RT's recordings. People & Places is a singer/songwriter album that straddles the folk/pop lines. Gregson is, perhaps obviously, influenced by the aforementioned Richard Thompson. Gregson, however, may be a little easier to embrace initially. Gregson's vocals are less idiosyncratic than RT's, Clive has a very smooth delivery. His songs, like Thompson's best, are direct. They are simple, but not simplistic. They are not dressed up with all sorts of fancy adornment. These won't wear out with age. They may become dog-eared over time, but that will just serve to endear them even more.
Rating : ***1/2