David Palfreyman’s latest album is a proper blend of rock and folk that doesn’t waste your time, and the songs are well-written, and the players he’s brought in know their stuff. David Clayton, who spent two decades with Simply Red, plays keys and adds real depth to the arrangements. Ben Miles, yeah, the actor from Star Wars, turns out to be a solid bass player, which is a nice surprise.
The rhythm section alternates between Martyn Barker and Chris Musto, both with serious pedigree, and they give each track its own personality. Gary Barnacle pops up on saxophone and does exactly what a good sax player should do: enhances without taking over.
Ian Caple handled the engineering and mixing, and you can hear the care that went into getting the balance right. “Overtime Hours” is worth singling out as a track that really works. It’s got momentum and a melody that stays with you after the song ends.
David has been making music for decades, and this album shows he’s still got plenty to say. It’s accessible without being predictable, and the performances have a natural quality that comes from actual musicians playing together, not chasing whatever’s currently popular. You should definitely keep up with what David Palfreyman is doing next by following him on social media down below.
