ALBUM REVIEWS

James Deane DIAMONDS & HEARTS DENZIL RECORDS 16.1.12 @www.vanguard-online.co.uk This is the full debut album from singer-songwriter/guitarist but not quite a namesake of an icon, James Deane. He has a full, sumptuous vocal and a set of heartfelt, emotional songs which are designed to tug at your heartstrings. Given the album title you’ll not be surprised to hear that there are plenty of rather clichéd playing cards related metaphors flying around – ‘I never laid it on the table’ and ‘How come I dealt this losing hand?’ – that kind of thing. There are many lovely moments to savour though - ‘Seventeen’ is a poignant plea to making the most of your youth where he touchingly sings ‘Two generations ago we’d be leaving for war / now we’re just making the best of the things they were fighting for…’ Things are going swimmingly until about half way through when he decides to come across as an old blues man on ‘Nobody Knows You (Like I Do)’ which doesn’t really work as his voice is too polished. It’s just a blip though as he soon gets back to what he’s best at with plenty more sincere, warm folk songs – all held together by a combination of beautifully played guitars, tinkling piano and the occasional burst of brass. On some tracks I did find that his vocal is almost too full and too flawless, but on the final piece, the excellent ‘Strange Emotion’ he tones it down to reveal a more sensitive and vulnerable style – I would have preferred more of this but this a minor quibble as this is a strong, soulful debut from a very obviously talented artist. Steve Claire www.jamesdeanemusic.com Email Links & Comments to the editor Check the latest album releases