Rob Dickenson Band "Remembrance" (Independent 2008)

In the best possible ways, it is written large all over Remembrance that Rob Dickenson is a veteran of the folk circuit.. This is a seasoned and well matured album, its flavours run strong and deep.

Dickenson is another storyteller/musician, the opening and title track is one of those fond family memories and the imagery Dickenson conjures up with it is vivid.

But it's the seamless combination of music and lyrics that is the album's real joy, Frolic, as the name suggests it should be, is wild and free while the poignancy of Falmouth Bay is magnified by the silk cushion of guitar that it is presented on.

Remembrance is also an album completely devoid of artist's ego, neither Dickenson nor his band allows anything to get in the way of the songs, The Big One is hewn from a childhood experience and shows that acoustic musicians weave magic when they stay close to home.

However, it would seem something of a missed opportunity if a musician and writer as clear-eyed as Rob Dickenson were to confine himself solely to the milder side of folk, the beautifully crafted Missing Pieces redresses that balance.

Dickenson walks the line between folk, Americana and bluegrass with all the skill of a tightropewalker, the result is a highly intelligent and thoughtful slice of a man's life as a musician.

Date review added:  Thursday, July 31, 2008
Reviewer:  Michael Mee
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Artist Website