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REVIEWS
MAYFLY – Dave
Kirk – Oblong OBL CD057
Dave Kirk belongs to that legion
of richly-talented but unsung musical heroes who for some
reason (usually the need to earn a living to support a family)
never make the logical and proper step into full-time, professional
musicianship. But the industry’s loss is our gain
for without the commercial imperative of a label driving
them they devote their lives and souls to creating music
that is personal and meaningful - and Dave Kirk’s
latest album – Mayfly – is a prime example.
Uncynical, heartfelt and honest
it is an exquisite musical story of a day in the life (or
rather the day’s life) of a humble insect. From its
birth at dawn to sunset, when its short span comes to an
end, the progress of its existence is explored through Kirk’s
beautifully-nuanced guitar work
which carries the main burden of his subtle, yet affecting
melodies. Kirk’s fretboard skills are of the highest
order and only a lack of proper exposure (for the reasons
given above) has prevented him claiming a place alongside
other masters of the art – Jansch, Renbourn, Thompson
and Newman.
Aided by his regular co-players
Dan Britton (bodhran) Chris Conway (keyboards, whistles
etc), Neil Segrott (bass) and the voice of Bridget McMahon,
this is a sparkling, delicate and highly involving creation.
Released on Oblong, the artwork
and design mean its almost as good to look at as it is to
listen to. This album is a tribute to Kirk’s dedication
to his musical vision – and an eloquent reminder that
music doesn’t need the meg-bucks of the megalith label
to make it successful. Small is indeed beautiful.
David Joss Buckley – July 2007
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MAYFLY – Dave Kirk – Oblong OBL CD057
Rock and Reel Review
Following on from 2004’s
song-based Along the Way album, Mayfly is Leicester musician
and songwriter Dave Kirk’s third CD release. It’s
an instrumental recording, intended to evoke the titular
insect’s brief daylong life, centred on Kirk’s
exquisite guitar work. He’s aided by regular collaborators
Chris Conway (keyboards, whistles, zither), Dan Britton
(bodhran) and Neil Segrott (fretless bass) on what is a
deeply satisfying collection variously reminiscent of the
music of Gordon Giltrap, John Renbourn and Windham Hill
founder, Will Akkerman.
There’s also some lovely piano playing by Kirk, whose
co-production with
Conway and Segrott is testament to their abilities in the
studio environment, while delightful CD-booklet artwork
by illustrator Wayne Anderson further confirms the overall
quality of the project. This Mayfly is definitely more than
a one-day wonder.
Dave White
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MAYFLY – Dave Kirk – Oblong OBL CD057
A Review from Acoustic Magazine
Mayfly is an ambitious project
that took over two years to make. Kirk's vision was to represent
the day's life of a mayfly in musical form, and the result
is a beautifully played acoustic instrumental album. From
intricate finger-picking, through to Celtic infused passages,
the music moves elegantly through its journey. A fine accompaniment
for a gentle summer's afternoon.
Martyn Casserly
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