Jonny Velon - Goodness Flows

by Carl Bookstein

published: 8 / 5 / 2017

Label: Scratchy Records
Format: CD

Bristolian singer-songwriter Jonny Velon’s debut album which captures fine art rock with great imagination

Review

Bristolian singer-songwriter and pianist Jonny Velon releases his debut album 'Goodness Flows' which captures a range of musical styles and a genuine artist’s voice. Rollicking piano playing kicks off opener 'The White Rabbit' into a hip and thoughtful vocal- high art rock is captured. “Started to go around that bend,” Velon sings “…staring at the walls.” Velon seems to be speaking about going over the edge. Something of a breakdown is evoked. The music is Bowie-esque and edgy. Peter Gabriel too comes to mind. “Now it’s all over and I’m supposed to be better,” he sings. 'The Cambridge Squeeze' is another edgy, evocative piece. The word “life” is repeated as the piano propels the song forward with momentum. A rousing horn section backs 'I Am Always Me', kicking into a sharp vocal, into stinging electric guitar. “(Things) were different when I was a boy,” Velon sings, “when I was a teenager.” The lyric “I am constant” follows, “like a tree weathering all seasons.” 'The White City' begins with a hypnotic Indian mantra like beat. “I have travelled… to return here.”- the sound swirling and more than a bit gorgeous. Jonny Velon’s vocal pierces the soul- an album highlight for certain. “It’s the moment I have found… all is fine.” Velon states on 'Overwhelming Stillness'. “The pain subsided to the ground… the burning fires… turned to sunshine on my face.” Velon is making sense of a mental breakdown here, and doing so poignantly and artistically. The title track 'Goodness Flows' features rich textured piano playing and fine instrumental accompaniment - somehow psychedelic and absolutely lush. “It takes one’s whole life to realize why we’re here.” 'High as a Kite' too is evocative, capturing a range of emotions and a life, despite harsh travails, nevertheless fully lived. “I am happy/I am sad… Green is so green… red is so red… the whole world comes out of my head.” On the quiet but powerful closer 'Eternal' Velon’s perceptions speak to creation itself: “I wished to create the world I could not hear...I could not see…All I could do was be…A material world where it is easy to forget the divine.” Jonny Velon, however, forgets nothing- a genuine and thoughtful talent.

Track Listing:-

1 The White Rabbit
2 The Cambridge Squeeze
3 I Am Always Me
4 The White City
5 Overwhelming Stillness
6 Goodness Flows
7 Heart & Mind
8 Travelling
9 A Green Lesson
10 High As A Kite
11 Eternal