Colin Reid: Colin Reid (Veesik Records)
This eponymously-titled album features the reserved but cultured skills of the East Belfast-born acoustic guitarist, Colin Reid. Although recorded over a year ago, it is, apparently, only now generally available. And what a little treat it is. Invariably, as with most debut instrumental albums, the styles on show are many and varied as the musician stretches himself with an air of "I can do that and that". But though the music ranges from rags to folk and many parts between, with nods to the likes of Davey Graham and John Renbourn, Reid's consistently fluent and engaging playing keeps it all together. This mostly self-penned collection also shows that he can also write a decent tune, such as the haunting Clover.
Joe Breen
John Prine: Great Days (Rhino)
This is subtitled The John Prine Anthology, and though it is five years old the experience of the American songwriter's memorable concert in the Olympia Theatre last Monday has prompted a revisit, bearing in mind those newbies who wondered where they could get hold of all those great timeless songs he played. Well, look no further. There are 41 tracks here on two CDs, ranging from the stoned awkwardness of Illegal Smile to the graphic Sam Stone; from the classic country of Angle from Montgomery to the simple optimism of That's the Way The World Goes Around. In addition there is an excellent booklet containing a fine essay by Rolling Stone's David Fricker, plus Prine's own typically oddball track notes. For further info consult the online fanzine at www.jpshrine.org.
Joe Breen