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From the moment the intensely upbeat, Latin-American styled opener, Town and Country Blues, begins, there emanates a certain comfort from the knowledge that there are still artists such as Ian Prowse willing to record and distribute work such as that contained on his latest album, Companeros.
This is a collection of 11 high quality, thought provoking and – ultimately – unforgettable tracks penned, all bar the album closer (of which more later), by song smiths the Amsterdam front man has met with during his long and illustrious career.
Of course, never being shy of voicing his opinion, there are moments of anti-establishment and political stirrings and never more so than on the Alun Parry composed My Name is Dessie Warren which, despite its obvious message, remains a song filled with as much admiration for it eponymous subject as it does catchy melodies and dead-on vocals.
To counter-balance this, next up is the heart-wrenching ballad Mississippi Beat, a poignant Jez Wing piece which also features the lingering vocals of Pauline Scanlon that add a depth and haunting quality that will make it impossible for you not to press “replay” several times in succession on first hearing it.
This is what is so good about Ian Prowse’s work; each track becomes an instant favourite right up to the moment the next track starts, so that what is left is the question: “Where on Earth did that come from?”
Personally, and this is such a difficult choice to make, You Can’t Win Them All, Mum is the stand out track of the album, simply because Gordon Grahame’s quite beautiful lyrics and Nev Henry’s sublime saxophone are absolutely tailor made for Prowse’s emotion-fuelled vocals which here ooze remembrance, self-recognition and passion.
This, however, in no way decries the other 10 tracks, because each and every one of them brings something different to the musical table and leaves the listener little time to catch their breath.
So, just when you think the emotions have been all wrung out like a tired old rag, along comes the only Ian Prowse piece to feature, which just happens to be a live reworking of an old Pele number which has become an established part of the Amsterdam live experience.
Name & Number is totally captivating, particularly when backed by a 9 piece orchestra that includes Fiona McCorrell on Whistle, Anastasia Risnes and Laura McKinley on Violin and Jennie Nolan on accordion. Recorded in the confines of the Parr Street STudio 1 the majesty of the song takes on a spontaneous, Celtic, “let’s sit around the fire and just jam” vibe that is as emotionally intoxicating as it is exceptional.
All-all-all, then, Ian Prowse’s latest album, Companeros, is nothing short of being an eclectic masterpiece that will have you laughing, crying and – importantly – talking about for a very long time to come indeed.
Ian Prowse
Companeros
Release: October 23, 2015
Learpholl Recordings
PR Rating: ***** Exquisite
For More Information: http://amsterdam-music.com
Ian Prowse will be performing with the full Amsterdam Band at the East Village Arts Club, Liverpool on December 5th. For Tickets: http://amsterdam-music.com/live