Sam Kelly has long been viewed as a bridge between the generations, whether making records or contributing to the work of others. He is highly active among his peers in collaborative and production capacities, while in-demand from some of folk’s leading luminaries. The depth, breadth and artistry of DREAMERS DAWN points Kelly in the direction of the summit as a recording artist and you sense great strides accompanying the life of this fine album.
A great strength of Sam Kelly is to bring a fresh zest to a traditional sound. When keeping the past alive he applies a glossy coating to well-worn pieces. Ultimately, the future is best served by moving the writing process forward and the original numbers here sow seeds for a prosperous one.
Kelly intermingles four traditional songs with seven new compositions to give the album a wider appeal. The most attractive offering from the old time pool is the banjo-led foot stomper ‘Gallows Pole’. You get the full force of the band at the beginning of the album when a rousing version of ‘The Bold Privateer’ sets a vibrant tone. ‘The Lincolnshire Poacher’ was one of the singles used to promote the record and adds a traditional flavour to the latter stages alongside closer ‘The Dark Eyed Sailor’.
While the placing of the traditional content gives the album an effective structure, the original songs offer a succulent substance. Leading the way with a memorable chorus line is the pivotal-placed ‘Snakes and Sermons’, a song taking a swipe at toxic relationships. Early in the album, title track ‘Dreamers Dawn’ pitches its worth in a swirling style while embracing the all-consuming aura of live music. A song soaring to higher planes with each listen. Among the sizzling gems sits a gentler song creeping up to show the worth of keeping it simple. ’Til Sleep Comes Calling’ sees Kelly expose a sensitive side with an injection of heartfelt soulfulness superbly dealing with the subject of chronic health issues. When the dust settles everything clicks into place with this emotive song.
All the original songs are credited to Kelly and Jamie Francis who are also the co-producers. This tandem proves highly productive alongside a celebrated band of players known collectively as the Lost Boys. The band takes a back seat for the album’s most intimate part when Kelly turns the focus towards the loss of man’s best friend in ‘Skye’, a subject dear to many hearts.
To radically change direction, ‘The Old Deceiver’ tackles the theme of populist nationalism and how it feeds innate fear, while the final two originals are paired together with contrasting titles ‘In the Cold’ and ‘In the Dark’. The writing is a touch abstract and grasping them takes longer than some of the others tracks.
DREAMERS DAWN is an amalgamation of Sam Kelly at his best. A record melding simple listening pleasure with songs sparking rewarding interest and intrigue. Assured production and esteemed musicianship ensure the package glistens with a high quality sheen befitting an artist lodged in the upper echelons of his field.
