Jim Kirkpatrick
- Changed Priorities
A Startled Chameleon
A purposeful and biting guitar intro pulls us straight into this set as ‘Going To the Ground’ tells a contemporary blues tale, with a strong structure and flow to boot. This is a set of originals with a nice sense of space and conviction in the lyrical delivery. Looking a little like Edwin Collins, our man Kirkpatrick has strong suit in punchy intro’s and most of these numbers could start a live set, no problem. An edgy slide sound is also featured to great effect. A veteran of several quality bands and a current conspirator of Thea Gilmore, this chap has a good ear for a song and a natural arranger’s sixth sense, presumably put to use with his other project Heavy Weather. I like the tinge of acoustic/americana that comes to the fore here and there. The album plays well as a result and ‘Heavy Weather’ is strikingly near Roadhouse/Storm Warning territory, as such a good performance or two would likely put Mr Kirkpatrick in BM! readers’ good books. Very pro without being slick so alright by this listener
Pete Sargeant
