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
~~~~~~~~~~~
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
~~~~~~~~~~
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
~~~~~~~~~~