Peter Conway - Stay

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 2 / 9 / 2013

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Review

‘Stay’ is the second album from London-based singer-songwriter Peter Conway; it was recorded at Far Heath Studios in Northamptonshire and was mastered by none other than Jon Astley (The Who, Clapton, George Harrison, the list is endless) at Close To The Edge Mastering Studios in Twickenham. So ‘Stay’ is a very British album then, right? No, with Conway’s Tom Waits-lite vocal style (with a little early Joe Cocker thrown in for good measure and to up the soul factor), the slight but effective Crazy Horse touches that make fleeting appearances on some of the songs and the fact that the songs on ‘Stay’ were inspired after a series of visions Conway had whilst in Nashville, you would be forgiven for believing that this was the work of the newest shining star on the Americana circuit. Apparently written in conjunction with a stage play of the same name, Conway describes ‘Stay’ as a concept record about love, intimacy and human relationships, but disregarding all that for a moment, while those of us of a certain age try to clam down at the mere mention of a concept album, what Conway has created here is a brilliant collection of melodic, heartfelt songs which showcase just what a fine singer and writer he is. Conway released a couple of EPs before his 2009 debut album ‘Mother World’, and has already had seven of his songs featured in films and documentaries which confirms his obvious skill of setting thoughtful lyrics to instantly likeable melodies. Produced by Conway, the album opens with ‘Found My Faith in You’ a seven minute, smoldering soul track with Conway’s brooding vocals matching the instrumentation of the song for menace. When Russell Smith’s lead guitar work turns those embers into a blaze the effect is stunning; it doesn’t just lift the song up a notch or two it lifts it on to another planet. It might not have been the smartest move to make ‘Found My Faith in You’ the opening song on ‘Stay’. The song takes in many twists and turns while never for a second losing its way, and is such compelling listening it’s hard to actually get past it. After seven minutes you simply want to relive the whole song again. While it displays all that is great about Peter Conway, you never really want to move on and leave it behind to discover more about Conway. In many ways that opening song is perfect; there is no need for more. And there’s always the risk that what follows isn’t going to match that initial thrill of hearing such a unique and talented singer. All worries are cast aside however with the second song, ‘Broken Shoes’ a dark piano-led ballad which fills every second of its six minutes with more passion and feeling than most artists can manage over the course of a whole album. Almost half the songs on ‘Stay’ come close to reaching that six minute mark (the shortest song here ends at just under three and a half minutes). While the length of the songs really give Conway the space his songs deserve to breathe and open up, not for one second do you get the urge to skip to the next song. In fact, despite their length, most of the songs still leave too soon. Conway’s vocals drip with emotion on ‘It Ain’t Over (Not for Me)’, the third track on the album, which is boosted by a beautiful, unexpected string arrangement courtesy of Simon Richardson, and by which time you are wondering why Conway’s name isn’t better known. Trying to think of any of Conway’s contemporaries who can match his soulful vocals proves fruitless. While he has such a unique vocal style it’s not going to alienate listeners like many artists who sound a little different, the warmth and compassion shown by Conway vocally will win him many admirers. ‘Stay’, as Conway states, is a love story set to music, and while it is a concept album it’s like no other you’ve heard so far. It could be argued that as one song flows so easily into the next, because of this chosen theme, with Conway’s unique vocals and all the songs musically cut from the same cloth, that over the course of an hour the songs could all merge into one but that doesn’t happen. When Conway and his accomplished band raise the tempo and inject a little blues and funk into songs such as ‘Oh My God’ and ‘Can’t Stop My Feet from Moving’, it doesn’t come as welcome relief. It adds another dimension to the album for sure, but Conway’s touching, soulful ballads are where he really shines. Although he knows he has to keep things interesting by straddling various musical styles, here’s one set of ears that would gladly listen to his slower, soulful songs all day long. A remarkable set of songs from a unique and talented musician. There are not so many albums that last for an hour yet still have you hitting the repeat button as soon as it’s finished. Sixty minutes and not one second wasted, ‘Stay’ is a beautiful experience that you will want to revisit time and time again. More information can be found at www.peterconway.net.

Track Listing:-

1 Found My Faith In You
2 Broken Shoes
3 It Ain't Over (Not for Me)
4 Without You Next to Me
5 Hey Johnny (Always Remember Your Dreams)
6 Stay
7 Lonely Tears (Use Your Imagination)
8 Hear Me Now
9 Genevieve (Light Inside)
10 Oh My God
11 Can't Stop My Feet from Moving
12 Call Out Across America

Band Links:-

http://www.songkick.com/artists/586078
https://vimeo.com/116984438
https://twitter.com/peterconwaylive
http://www.peterconway.net/
https://www.facebook.com/peterconwaymu
https://www.youtube.com/user/PeterConw

Label Links:-

https://open.spotify.com/album/2CnXobr