Ryley Walker - Primrose Green

Last year I was recommended 'All Kinds of You' the debut album by Chicago born singer-songwriter Ryley Walker. I found it interesting but a little too derivative of a handful of 1960's/1970's artists to hold my attention for too long. I challenge you to find a single review of Walker's work that does not draw comparisons with Bert Jansch, John Martyn, Tim Buckley or Pentangle. It's a shame as Walker clearly has a great deal of talent himself.

This year the recommendations for his follow up album, 'Primrose Green' have been even more vociferous. I took the plunge and once again the aforementioned names sprang to mind immediately with the addition of Van Morrison, particularly on 'Summer Dress' in which Walker adopts some of the vocal mannerisms of Morrison as well as utilising similar jazzy arrangements and a host of excellent supporting musicians. (Judging by photos of Walker, he has even adopted Morrison's 1970's hairstyle).

Opening track 'Primrose Green' and 'Love Can Be Cruel' are pure Pentangle complete with a Jansch like vocal and double bass so reminiscent of Danny Thompson's work with that group and with Tim Buckley, as to be uncanny. Listen to 'Sweet Satisfaction' and I dare you not to think of John Martyn. 'The High Road' sounds like solo Bert Jansch with the added string arrangements of Robert Kirby. There can be no doubt that Walker wears his influences on his sleeve and in so doing may be making a rod for his own back. Listeners of my generation simply cannot fail to draw comparisons to those great artists of the past.

Yet, I have found myself thoroughly enjoying this album on its own merits as the songs are strong and the performances are superb. As I have stated earlier, Walker has a great talent himself and will no doubt attract an audience who are not familiar with the work of his predecessors and will accept him as a great artist in his own right. And if it eventually leads that audience to listen to the works of Jansch, Martyn et al, then all well and good.