Chris Thompson - Timeline
by Lisa Torem
published: 26 / 3 / 2009
Label:
Voiceprint
Format: CD
intro
Superb compilation of original and cover material from former Manfred Mann's Earth Band frontman, Chris Thompson
Chris Thompson, of 'Blinded by the Light' and 'Davy’s on the Road Again,” fame, (recorded when he was frontman for Manfred Mann’s Earth Band) pushes the limits of genre and style with the compilation CD 'Timeline'. Like a celebratory occasion, 'Timeline' mixes somethings old - 'Mighty Quinn', for example – and somethings new - specifically, two piano-driven ballads which zoom in on his ravaged heart and soul and bring his vocals to life. 'If You Remember', written by composer Marvin Hamlish, embraces Thompson’s voice and proves he can brandish Broadway- style torches. 'For You' underscores the subliminal passion Thompson’s vocals are known to carry. 'Broad Daylight',a detour from standard repertoire,straddles jazz/rockabilly/alt. country, while exposing Thompson’s ability to deliver a highly- syncopated scat. And in 'Forever' Thompson taps into soulful, inner-angst: “Think I hear Jesus calling, hey, you’re on your own, I can’t help you now.” There are the covers such as 'Don’t Stop', where Thompson is on the homefront and in his interpretation of the Zombies classic hit 'She’s Not There' he dallies with tempo and style, but keeps the hook sacred. The seventeen tracks of 'Timeline' are divided into "The Brand New", “The Unexpected” and “The Concert” as the band members and “timelines” of the repertoire shift. Thompson should be lauded for branching out so far from terra by both revisiting the familiar, often unappreciated tune, and by honoring the depths of his vocal fortitude. 'Timeline' is a must for the fans wanting to explore the artistic environs of a great artist, as well as the ones who won’t stand in the way of creative growth. True, 'Timeline' is a teaser for an upcoming solo album, but being teased never felt so damn right.
Track Listing:-
1 Land Of The Long White Cloud2 Radio Waves
3 Dust In The Light
4 God's Own Country
5 Forever
6 Don't Stop
7 She's Not There
8 Broad Daylight
9 If You Remember Me
10 For You (Live From Kinloch Drive - Very Rare)
11 You're The Voice (Live From Kinloch Drive - The Very First One)
12 Blinded By The Light
13 Davey's On The Road Again
14 Mighty Quinn
15 Questions
16 Zu Leben
17 You're The Voice (Classical Version)
reviews |
Backtrack 1980-1994 (2009) |
Competent, but often forgettable retrospective of solo work from Chris Thompson, the former front man with Manfred Mann's Earth Band |
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