Longdon, David: Wild River

David Longdon, who sadly passed away in 2022, needs no introduction in these pages as the former member of Big Big Train has reached near legendary status in the world of modern progressive rock. In the ‘90s Longdon went through his share of tough times, losing his father, divorce, and trying out as lead vocalist of genesis and not getting the nod (Ray Wilson got the role). After his band Gifthorse disbanded he began working on his debut solo album and Wild River was released in 2004. Although Longdon was proud of the album, he was never happy with other aspects of the record such as the production and mix. He had always intended to give it the once over and use the considerable skills he had developed since those early days. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be. Enter Rob Aubrey, Longdon’s friend and long time collaborator. Aubrey has also been Big Big Train’s engineer and producer since 1994. In 2023 Wild River was reissued on English Electric Recordings as an expanded two CD set, the extra disc recorded live at The Wirksworth Festival in 2004 and at the Red Lion Hotel in Derbyshire, England.

I never heard the album when it ws originally released but I am not surprised how much I have been enjoying this edition. If you are a fan of Longdon, you will know him as a consummate professional and an artist with plenty of enough heart and soul. In essence, a superb songwriter, vocalist and musician.

The first track “Always� begins with a delightful acoustic intro and as the music unfolds there is a hint of melancholy as Longdon’s songwriting and voice easily injects just the right amount of feel into the composition. The vocals are excellent, an echo effect is expertly used, and the beat turns this into a classy and artful pop rock gem. With “Honey Trap� perky violin and an optimistic melody make this a vibrant pop song with that hard to find ‘feel’, elevating this more than your average radio fare. The vocal arrangement is as delicious as it gets. Next is the folk inspired “Mandy’ with its crisp mandolin and acoustic guitar and Longdon’s expressive vocals. A sumptuous bass line begins “Vertigo�, another folk tinged tune with lush violin and mandolin and of course Longdon’s endearing lead vocals. One of the more grooving tunes is the catchy “This House�, a class act all the way with great vocals and fine musicianship.

Like the studio tracks, the live tracks are extremely well done and make for a great listen. There are nine live tunes and two studio songs ending the disc. It’s a nice addition to the original recordings.

Sure, this is a mellow album, but what it lacks in heaviness it makes up for in sophistication. Proggy tinged folk rock and pop that sounds great to these ears and the melodies are just so good. Highly recommended.

Track Listing:
CD One
1. Always
2. Honey Trap
3. Mandy
4. About Time
5. Vertigo
6. Wild River
7. Loving & Giving
8. In Essence
9. This House
10. Joely
11. Falling Down To Earth
12. On To The Headland

CD 2
1. Always (Live)
2. Every Silver Lining (Live)
3. Loving & Giving (live)
4. April Fool (Live)
5. Falling Down To Earth (Live)
6. Can I Come With You? (Live)
7. Pipe Dream (Live)
8. Mandy (Live)
9. Wild River (Live)
10. On To The Headland
11. Beyond Belief

Added: October 29th 2024
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist @ Bandcamp
Hits: 117
Language: english

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