Brazier burning hot

Press, 28 January 1988, Page 10

Brazier burning hot

GRAHAM BRAZIER “Brazier” (CBS, 460 4961). BILL LAKE AND THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS “A Bop In The Ocean” (Jayrem, EELMAN Oil). Graham Brazier, noted for his efforts as the leader of Hello Sailor of the 70s and the sometimes successful Legionnaires of the early 80s, tries his second solo album since 1981’s “Inside Out.” The Sailor man was always noted for his songwriting, and “Brazier” is no exception to this quality, coming out with some quiet humour and some touching music, particularly the single, “Spellbound.” The single sets up a nice funky rhythm, driving the way that Brazier seems to favour with the constrast coming from the vocals of both Brazier and Margaret Urlich, formerly of Peking Man. If radio ignores this then programmers have cloth ears — the record should suit them. The driving beat comes through again on “North To The South,” with a neat lyric touch of “I’ve paid my Dues and

Arabs too.” The sax of Walter Bianco lifts the song. “Motorway” also carries on the chugging beat. However, Brazier is not so successful on his slower material, the cover of “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and the jazzy approach of “Late Night Music.” He sounds uncomfortable. But the Sailor flavour comes to the fore on rearranged version of the traditional “Boat Song,” featuring former mates Harry Lyon and Dave McArtney. Drink deep, this is a good track. Although “Brazier” does have weaknesses, it still shows him up as a leading songwriter, following tracks like “Six Piece Chamber” and “Billy Bold.” It might be slightly more for landlubbers in parts but when it ventures out as on “Spellbound,” then it has the necessary depth. While on the water images, Bill Lake and Arthur Baysting follow up the highly successful Hulamen and Pelicans with a new band, the Living Daylights. But those approaching this

new evolution need not worry, as the tracks are equal to anything that was found on “Banana Dominion,” for example. The recording might be slightly rough, indeed Lake’s vocals have always seemed slightly strained, but underneath is musical gold — a dynamic, creative beat, in this case closer to a bop record than a pop record. Everyone will have their own favourite songs. Of particular interest is “Watcha Gonna Do?”, with great vocals by Ra Te Whaiti, to a reggae beat, and the R and B of “Filthy Rich” (with its unrepentant lyrics), and the simple instrumentation ot “You’ve Got My Number.” “Defrost Your Heart” is a classic soul track, that will be picked up by the student stations. The LP is not so much a bop in the ocean, but one that offers the chance to bop until you drop. There may have been a few long beaks at the demise of the Pelicans, but Lake and Co. have filled the gap. —NEVIN TOPP.