Martin Stephenson and the Daintees - California Star

by Tony Gaughan

published: 10 / 1 / 2014

Martin Stephenson and the Daintees - California Star

Label: Barbaraville Records
Format: CD

Impressive combination of pop, folk, gospel and country on first album in five years from much acclaimed Sunderland-based singer-songwriter Matin Stephenson and his band the Daintees

Review

It is twenty-eight years years since the release of the highly acclaimed debut 'Boat to Bolivia' . Martin Stephenson has produced many fine records along the way, and the great news is that through Universal, the entire back catalogue is available again for fans, old and new. 'California Star' is a new, sparkling collection of songs. Once again he is backed by his legendary Daintees. The album opens with somewhat laid back but beautiful 'The Ship' which sparkles like a John Martyn/Robbie Robertson classic, and from there the album journeys through classic pop, folk, gospel ,country and concludes with the very reggae sound of 'I'm in 'Love for the First Time'. The second track 'Streets of San Sebastian ' with it's Spaghetti Western vibe again adds to the eclectic collection of classic songwriting which Martin is renowned for, and the title track 'California Star' bears testimony to this. There are many highs on this collection, and it should not only please the old guard but also win many more converts especially with songs as great as 'Sweet Cherwine' and the simplicity of 'Something Special'.

Track Listing:-

1 The Ship
2 Streets Of San Sebastian
3 Power That Is Greater
4 California Star
5 Ready To Move On
6 Boy To Man
7 Something Special
8 Silver Bird (For Domenico)
9 Long Way To Go
10 Sweet Cherwine
11 I'm In Love For The First Time