News / / 19.07.13

L.A.M.P

SHADES OF GREEN (Peng Records)

13/20

Noted for his work with The Rurals, Bristol production stalwart Andy Compton sheds his more deep house-orientated leanings on this collaboration with Parisian songstress Lady Bird. What we’re presented with is 13 tracks of fluid, rural and organic jazz-inflected soul. Released on Compton’s own Peng Records, Shades of Green is doubtless a labour of love, and the assuredness of the compositions alongside flawless musicianship showcase an individual doubtless wholly at home in this realm. Lady Bird, meanwhile, puts in a fine showing. Her contributions seldom miss the mark, honeyed tones and subtle inflections endearing, gorgeous and consistently welcoming, and while the earnestness of the lyrics might be a bit much for some, they narrowly avoid becoming hackneyed thanks to their believable, heartfelt spirit. In truth, it’s difficult not to be swept along in the overall loveliness of the thing. What this record lacks in originality, it makes up for in warmth and generosity.

 

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Words: Rich Bitt

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