Jason McNiff is a highly respected English singer songwriter accruing much praise for his intrinsic finger picking guitar style and often literary focused approach to lyrical conveyance. In his seventh album scanning a period close to twenty years, DUST OF YESTERDAY sees McNiff in fine form as he uses this release to look back and commit some key moments of his life to the permanence of a recorded song.
On a record where cello and violin feature succinctly to complement the heavily Bert Jansch influenced guitar playing, McNiff commits this effort to nine tracks including one reflecting upon an unconventional train trip ('A Load Along'), time spent as a Flamenco guitarist in 'Damaged Woman' and 'Mary Jane' which is probably best left to the imagination.
The depth and attributes to DUST OF YESTERDAY are likely to fall favour with those previously hooked in to his music. Additionally, there is milage in this album finding more fans for Jason McNiff as the tentacles of promotion expand the reach. While shoring up your core is always wise for an independent artist, there is no harm in seeking new admirers. On this front , this south coast based artist is fully equipped with the armoury to win over folks inspired by guitar spun tunes akin to those generated from the greats of English folk and its strays into rock territory.
One final note to end on is McNiff contemplating that memory is something anchored in the present and not necessarily confined to the past. Wise words indeed from one composing some impressively interesting and spellbinding music.
