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INNOCENCE
Tracklist: Nothing to Lose; All Eyes to the West; Move Closer; Ocean; Innocence; Just Enough; Caprice; Little bit of Loving; Fear of life; Make it Easy.
Scottish born Murray Head started his recording career in the mid sixties as a folk artist, inspired by the likes of Bob Dylan but, despite the release of several singles, success was elusive until in 1970 he was
offered a part in Jesus Christ Superstar. As an actor he also earned himself the lead role in the 1971 film 'Sunday Bloody Sunday'. While Murray's music and film career continued unabated throughout the
seventies and eighties, his most widely publicised successes came with the release of the single 'Say It Ain't So Joe' in 1975, and in the 80's with 'One Night in Bangkok' (from the musical 'Chess').
Most of the material from this album originally stems from the early nineties - it is a combination of a previous album also called 'Innocence', released in 1993, and 'Wave' from 1992 - and all of the songs (bar one)
are either written or co-written by Murray Head himself. The main support comes from Steve Fletcher (keyboards), Steve Spring (drums) and Paul Whittaker (guitars). Although space does not allow the
entire cast of musicians to be listed, some great contributions from the likes of Annie Whitehead, Geoff Richardson, and Ian Maidman are also to be found here.
'Innocence' is best described as a classic, soft rock album with some interesting twists and variations.
The majority of the songs represented are essentially love songs, dealing with differing aspects of relationships. In all honesty, I have to say that if one were simply to read the lyrics, some of these pieces would appear to be quite banal. However, Head's voice really breathes life and soul into them and, with additional talents of the rest of the crew, the end result is very satisfying.
'Nothing to Lose' kicks off the album in a fairly upbeat way, with a powerful rhythm and soft but throbbing bass line.
The vocals here are some of the best on the album, coming over naturally and with a sense of conviction, and Basil Kelleher and Jonathan Ware put in some strong lead guitar work towards the end of the track.
The sentiment of 'All Eyes on the West', a pretty mediocre offering, seems a little of its time now, dealing as it does with the thawing climate at the end of the cold war.
Soft soul rhythms are featured in 'Move Closer', which is more pop than rock. It's quite a delicate, smoochie number featuring some nice acoustic lead guitar work.
'Ocean' is another very subdued offering. Some prominent ukulele playing from Geoff Richardson is combined with Paul Whittaker's slide guitar work to give a south seas atmosphere ... a very relaxed piece.
'Innocence' is a straightforward introspective song.
The vocals seem a little forced at times, but the style is in keeping with the mood of the piece. Again, it is all the extra touches that add spirit to the piece: viola from Geoff Richardson, mandolin from Charles O'Connor and violin & cello from Helen Liebman all provide vibrant textures that really add to the quality.
'Just Enough', is one of my favourite pieces lyrically. Although the song could be applied to a number of scenarios it appears to deal with the loss of a loved one through bereavement, and the treatment is
tender and compassionate. The song is a little more uptempo than the previous pieces and features some good vocal peaks. Further interest comes with some great concertina sounds played by Charles
O'Connor, and the inclusion of bassoon provides some nice touches.
'Caprice' strikes as a somewhat middle of the road track, but it is lifted from obscurity for me by the wonderful Annie Whitehead on trombone.
Next comes a soft rock ballad in the shape of 'Little Bit of Loving'. As usual, Head's vocals carry the piece along, with some beautiful backing vocals from Sally Ann Triplett, John Flyn and Steve
Fletcher. Geoff Richardson does a masterful job on the viola and really adds an extra warmth to the piece, and the use of a Kalimba, also played by Geoff, is another of those touches that take the song just
that bit further.
'Fear of Life' with its guitar work is a nice enough piece, but after a while it seems to start sounding like the Postman Pat theme which I found a bit off putting!
'Make it Easy' is the final track and the vocals seem to be set much lower than in some of the preceding tracks which suits Murray's style very well.
Concertina and viola work really well together to create an emotionally charged atmosphere, aided by Helen Liebmann's soft and gentle cello playing - a perfect combination creating a brilliant finish.
I am constantly being delighted by some of the great albums by classic artists that Voiceprint reissue.
'Innocence' is no exception to this welcome trend - mellow is a very good word to describe this album with its soft tones and emotional subject matter. It is well worth checking out if you enjoy a laid back style or are looking for some great late night listening; at times mournful, always emotive and tender ... wallow in 'Innocence'.
Simon 22nd April 2001
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