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27/04/2006
Judas! moment for Jim Moray
Rocking out can be a risky business for a young folk singer – there’s always likely to be some beetle-browed Arran-sweatered traditionalist ready to abuse you as a ‘Judas!’.
Launching his eponymous second album at Madame Jojo’s in London’s Soho last night, the colossally talented Jim Moray risked a Judas! moment, and emerged triumphant.
When last seen, performing solo in a converted church hall in Canterbury in February 2005, Moray had demonstrated just why he’s so highly regarded by the cognoscenti. Armed only with guitar, piano and electronic wizardry, he delivered a set which jostled with performances by the likes of Bob Dylan, Cecilia Bartoli, Ali Farka Toure and Ornette Coleman for this writer’s gig of the year.
Updating traditional English folk ballads and slipping in his own very fine compositions, Moray announced himself as a musician with rare creativity.
In London last night, he faced the world anew with - wait for it - a rock band. Looking every bit like a latter-day Joe Strummer, Moray showed his rock god credentials, now backed by a fine rhythm section – drums and bass - with melody supplied by a trumpeter.
The beautifully paced set mixed material from the outstanding first album - eg Lord Bateman - with material just about to be released – a stirring Barbara Allan was the finest of several updated trad standards; a tumultuous epic, My Sweet Rose, was the evening’s highlight.
Whether on rock lead guitar, lounge ballad piano, hip electronic box, or simply crooning at the mic, Moray, oozing charisma all night, delivered an energizing gig.
Catch this man now. He’s probably the most talented young musician in England.
The new album, Jim Moray, is released on Monday.
www.jimmoray.co.uk
Gerry Smith
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