Maurice Dickson "A Year In The Life" Mo Music 006CD

You'd have thought that, after reviewing records for what sometimes seems like a hundred years, I'd be familiar with the work of Maurice Dickson. After all, this is his sixth album and he's appeared at countless folk festivals as far apart as Sidmouth and Arran and spent many years playing folk and blues clubs throughout the land. Yet, this excellent CD is my introduction to his talent.

He's a singer-songwriter with a style somewhere between folk and blues, with, perhaps, just a dash of country. At times he reminded me of a more huskier voiced version of Peter Sarstedt and, although, on the album, his guitar playing is augmented by a host of other fine musicians, I can quite see why his solo performances go down so well.

His songs are well crafted in a variety of styles and with memorable tunes - something that can't often be said about many singer-songwriters. The recording quality is excellent and the album is professionally packaged. An object lesson for anyone else thinking of producing their own CD. (JM)