Gusto!

I have been following Rory for some 10 years, his previous album was an interesting departure with a proper group, but here he is back to solo, the way you will normally see him in concert. Playing a large range of instruments from spoons to trombone, via guitar, tap shoes and harmonica.Rory is a serious songwriter covering a wide range of social injustice issues. Often feeling economically bypassed by others less worthy, his opening track The Quickest Way To Feel Rich covers familiar ground. No Use For A Gun lists all of the many useful tools and their functions that he uses, but then returning to the title refrain as a regular chorus. The hardship and plight of small farmers getting food to the market but being ripped off is covered on closing track Tenant Farmer's Blues. Refugees feeling out of place in a new land, (a variation of this track was on a previous album), is A Foreigner Forever, a topical song.Rory's singing is an acquired taste, sometimes half spoken, and often a seeming tumbling stream of consciousness, but his lyrics are always thought provoking and highly entertaining. This album will probably not win any new converts, but to those like me who are long term fans, it is the latest engaging thrilling performance not to be missed. He is a unique one off performer who sings from the heart, tells it as it is, has a wicked sense of humour, and some highly entertaining and pertinent lyrics. No shy retiring wallflower, he always wears his heart on his sleeve, and you know exactly what he is thinking about and where he stands on issues. Rough edges in the performance are part of his charm, and give an indication of his full on live performances which will stick in your mind. Recommended for his friends and fans, always a blast live, catch him in a local performance if you can.