Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Of all the guitar players that Britain has produced, of all the songs, the pleasure derived and spread, the lists proclaiming the top ten, the must see, the great and the good, one name is perhaps conspicuous by its absence, and one to whom we collectively owe not only an apology for the omission, but huge thanks that he has continued to bring quality album after quality album to the listener’s attention, without fanfare, without the ordeal of celebration, just with the outstanding musicianship that Snowy White is overwhelmingly gifted at delivering.
The cool slow riff that Heaven implores, the fierce burn derived from being able to walk through Hell, such is the sound captured on Snowy White’s latest album release, Driving On The 44, that whilst there is nothing that themusician’s guitarist has to prove, the fact that he can still take the high road and produce an album submerged in responsibility and class is testament to his persuasion, the keen fingers and eyes of mutual observation that makes him one of the most adept players of any of the generations to have picked up the instrument.
You don’t get to play with Pink Floyd or Thin Lizzy, be praised and lauded by the majesty of Peter Green, unless you have something quite unique about you, and it is in that uniqueness of spirit the album resounds in drama and quality.
Across tracks such as the supreme opener of Freshwater, the experience that shows unreservedly in Down In The Dark, Ain’t No Secret, Keep On Flying, One Man Girl, and the finale of Lady Luck (So Mean To Me), the gift of the Snowy White, and his band, Thomas White, Max Middleton, and Ferry Lagendijk, is not just enjoyed, it is akin to a burst of energy and love delivered straight to the heart with no fear of disappointment.
Snowy White is his own boss, his own metronome, and whilst he may share the same road as many others, his journey is drawn direct by a plan studied in depth, and offered to the passenger by his side, the listener in the car, with plain and uncompromising style.
A superbly arranged album, graceful and elegant in every department. Roll down the windows, breathe in the air, for Snowy White is driving you to the next adventure in luxury.
Snowy White releases Driving On The 44 on July 22nd via Soulfood.
Ian D. Hall