One of the UK's 'best kept secrets' was quoted in the press blurb. Never has an assertion been so accurate for an artist. On the evidence of Dan Raza's third album, it's quite amazing that vast swathes of a relevant music landscape won't have come across him despite a couple of releases and being active for over a decade. I will partially join the list as being faintly aware but nothing to prepare me for the stunning array of songs on WAYFARER. Check this album out and a dozen tracks of immense quality will spring forth. This is seriously good songwriting wrapped in a classy musical package. What more could you ask for from a British artist intent on raising his profile.
The title is another apt component of the record as it reflects Raza's nomadic experiences that proved the driver for this fine collection of songs. Good art often comes from its creator seeking different surroundings. Some take it to extremes and completely uproot their lives to seek a creative nirvana. The release of a record brings back a sense of normality as the songs cease to be remnants of an imagination and now reside in the heads of everyday normal folk. These efforts certainly spice up a listening regime and placing Dan Raza in serious company is not a far fetched conclusion.
A key feature is being grabbed from the start. 'Behold the Night' is a stunning opener with enhanced piano and an overall style reminiscent of Ben Glover. A fine association. Over the next half a dozen tracks, stand-out candidates spill out. 'Wasn't That Enough' has a great opening line and like so many of its counterparts, a killer chorus. The groovy soulful 'Water Reflects (What it's Shown)' is a warm and satisfying tune and was one of the key preview tracks. A metaphoric title reveals a theme of populist politics. The writing overall takes both a critical and reflective angle to some of society's ills. With the album's songwriting roots being a period of personal reflection and change, 'In My Own Time' speaks the words of a dreamer and a drifter. By now the hooks of an inspiring record have secured the connection.
From early listens, the melodic beauty embedded into the chorus of 'Me and My Lady' melted me and kept this song at the summit. A first among equals to toss in a political analogy. Surely this would have been a No.1 in the early seventies. Fifty years later it has to work a little harder to find the right ears. A slice of accordion adorns the lighter and more positive 'Nothing Like a Woman' bringing the first half to a breathtaking close.
By now the smooth production and slightly rough edged vocals have sunk into a song collection that has already paid for itself. The second half leads with an observational piece inspired by witnessing first hand the desperate plight of Central American refugees passing through Tijauna onto the promised land. 'Only a Stones Throw Away' is a smart and perceptive piece of songwriting. The narrative streak continues with 'The Truth Will Heal You' and 'New Born Man'. The latter is the story of Tom Techman and his fight for a normal life despite being born with Cerebral Palsy. A track showing the dexterity of Raza's songwriting skills. The album started with an association and nine tracks later another is thrown up in the guise of Dylan LeBlanc whose presence is felt in 'Like Strangers Again'. Probably just my listening sphere, but a definite virtue.
At this point a caveat appears. 'We All Have to Dream' and 'Still a Song to Sing' are fine inclusions on merit, but appear somewhat in the shadow of the raft of big beasts that have gone before. From a listening perspective, cutting these two and placing them in another project would have made the record a little more succinct. A ten-track-forty five minute effort is my optimum. A minor point that doesn't bring the album down a mark.
If WAYFARER doesn't boost the profile of Dan Raza, injustice will prevail. It's a majestically quality assured release featuring one voice among a plethora of instruments ushering in a full sound. Songwriting at its best and on this occasion justice will prevail.
