close the circle reviews

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Chris Conway - Close The Circle
(Oblong Music) www.chrisconway.org
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Leicester-based American singer-songwriter Chris Conway is, bemusingly, one of the UK music scene's best kept secrets. A prolific talent, Conway can turn his hand to roots, pop, folk, jazz, New Age, Celtic and electronic musical styles, sounding entirely at home in all of them.
I discovered one of his early song-based albums back in the 90s and have been a fan ever since. A great voice, and a writer of stylish, easy-on-the-ear material, his considerable abilities as an arranger and producer ensure that quality control remains in-house and at a very high level. That his recordings are, in the main, self -released too, merely confirms that Conway knows what he's doing, and that he does it very well indeed.
His latest collection of songs epitomises all those attributes. A masterclass in the DIY approach to music making. I usually end my reviews of his recordings musing as to the shortsightedness of major labels in letting this genuine talent pass them by. This one's no different.
Dave White - Rock n Reel Magazine


Chris Conway - Close The Circle
Oblong MusicOBL CD056
www.chrisconway.org
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Born in the United States but based in Leicester; multi-instrumentalist and writer Chris Conway issues ambitious solo project.
Chris Conway is arguably the pick of Leicestershire based singer songwriters. He is a naturally creative musician; equally accomplished on guitar, piano, or Celtic sounding whistles and effects.
Conway's main problem may be his versatility; this music isn't easily pigeon holed. A look at his back catalogue reveals a plethora of releases; including eight instrumental (jazz, ambient, world) and eight previous solo 'song' albums.
Vocally he recalls David Crosby; with his smooth delivery teetering on the edge of Jazz. Indeed, anyone who enjoys Crosby's side project, CPR or Marc Cohn, will find this release very much to their taste.
Close The Circle's twelve songs are divided into four sections introduced by brief instrumental snatches; Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. An Old Fashioned Future is a fine song with its acoustic guitars, percussion and perfectly layered harmonies. The Celtic sounding Songrise, breezy and optimistic; captures the 'summer' vibe; 'Let the winter take its toll, I feel a change in the wind …'
The autumn section is equally impressive with perhaps Castle, Seed & Candle being the standout here. Winters' The Great Escapist is a tour de force with a gorgeous mid-tempo melody; very reminiscent of Joni Mitchell. Neil Segrott excels on bass here too.
Arguably the real highlights are when Chris pairs down the instrumentation for a stark piano number like Empty House Time Machine, where the author revisits his past. Brilliant song!
Another standout track for me is Springs' Homecoming. Again this piano ballad has a beautiful melody and a lyric of contentment; 'with this new found wisdom and the love of good friends the journey never really ends.'
Recorded at home, and in San Francisco, this impressively produced set deserves to reach a wider audience.
John Brindle Maverick Magazine


Chris Conway
Album:Close The Circle
Label:Oblong Records
Website: http://www.chrisconway.org
"Close The Circle" is an old fashioned song cycle, set in contemporary songwriting. Themed around the season's, Chris surprisingly starts off the cycle with Summer. I guess that gives him the chance to end with Spring and rebirth, but in it's self unusual. Chris is an experienced recording artist and it shows. The album is as crisp as granny smith and just as sharp, though not without a hint of sweetness to enhance the flavour. "Close the Circle" feels like a journey away from home and a slow winding return. Drawing on the hope of arrival.
Fatea Records Magazine Reviews


testimonials

"What a pleasure! I'm particularly struck by the deftly crafted imagery of its texts, the gorgeous orchestration of its music and the way in which the two are so flawlessly married in the songwriting.
From its lush layers to its toe tapping lilts, thanks for what is easily one of my favorite musical acquisitions in recent memory"
Terry Gilmer - Atlanta, USA


"Just a quick word say how much I love the new Close the Circle CD.
The favourite track changes daily but, 'I cast my soul' is perfection. My wife is hooked on it too."
Graham Crofts - Leicester UK


I want to thank you for the CD. It is just beautiful. Your records always grow on me and instead of tiring of them, I always grow fonder of the songs the more I know them.
Ethel Mann - El Sobrante, California, USA

"Chris Conway's new CD is full to the brim with great songs, The playing and singing is lovely, with special mention for the vocal harmonies which give the whole CD a lush West Coast feel. This is clearly a labour of love. Chris' songs are full of soul and he's a man for whom the sun rises in the morning - it's got a
really positive feel about it. My personal favourite is "Cast my soul" I hope it sells a bucket load." Pete Kenny - CDBaby