ADY JOHNSON
Under Gainsborough Skies
On first listening and they have been several it was as though the album had the power to take you back in time to a simpler more hopeful place. It arrived at exactly the right time as it was reminiscent of early 70s and to be enjoyed lying back on some grass under the Sun enjoying the company of an early love it was as though the album arrived wrapped in a cheese cloth shirt. If you had phoned a vinyl copy of this album at a car boot sale, it would be easier to imagine that you got lucky with forgotten classic possibly released on the famous Charisma label. Even the cover gives that very impression. Reading the associated press release it came as no surprise to find that there was a definite intention to hark back to the Folk revival, down to live recording in the studio with the use of vintage recording equipment. In fact, three songs in and there is even a track expressing the desire to travel back in time.
There is a quintessential Englishness about the whole affair, possibly reflective of his life on the Essex-Suffolk border. The Gainsborough bucolic countryside references are not misplaced. There’s a gentleness and whimsy about much of the recording besides the inherent beauty of the melodies that makes it a captivating listen, leaving you caught between happy memories and enjoyment of the present. Folk revival inspired it may be, but there are touches of the blues and music hall that defy lazy stereotyping, but what runs through the album like a glittering stream in a forest glade is Johnson’s intricate fingerpicking guitar work, adding colours to the intimate feel of the songs. It comes to no surprise to discover his background as a classical guitarist. There is further instrumental interest in the occasional appearances of the rich velvety tones of a flugelhorn giving us a touch of the Peter Skellerns to add to the flavours of Nick Drake, Kevin Ayers and even the occasional whiff of a young John Martyn that drift in at various times
There is a strong element to nostalgia for place, time and feel running across the album, both reminiscent of good times but also reflection on both mortality and loss with a questioning spirituality at the edges.
Three albums in yet spanning a 15-year period, his command of melody and musicianship has also attracted some serious coworkers. His second album includes contributions from folk luminaries such as Tom Robinson, Martyn Joseph, Billy Bragg, and Lisa Knapp, with Graham Coxon blurring the distinction between folk and Britpop.
There is a timeless quality to the album that maybe makes it one for the ages. Have a listen yourself let it take you to places you may not have visited for awhile and then thank him for it!
Under Gainsborough Skies