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PAUL BRADY
Say What You Feel

This album, which contains 12 new songs all written by Paul, was recorded in Nashville and the influence shows. The influence isn't so much country and western as it is country soul. Most of the music is rhythmic, blues oriented and driven by the powerful Hammond organ of Reese Wymans. The fresh and together feeling of the album derives from the fact that it was recorded live in the studio with all of the musicians present. Therefore no overdubbing or other technical tricks were needed.

Sounding musically at home and in great voice, Paul has plenty to say about the relationships - or lack thereof - between men and women. An international star and a product of post EU Ireland, Paul is not out of place singing of the loss of connection in songs like, Living For the Corporation, I Only Want You and Sail, Sail On. But he also celebrates the charms of a casual affair in Love in A Bubble.

This album is not going to deal with the troubles of the world, as he as announces in the opening track, Smile, “Even though the world is heading for a breakdown - just smile - live in the here and now”. The power of Paul's ability to mix imagery and music is illustrated on Locked Up in Heaven. With minimal musical accompaniment, Paul laments the loss of a time “when he was doing just fine”. Now he's found true love and the result he's lost his freedom. An entirely different musical mood prevails on Doing It In the Dark. The sound turns bluesy, as does the Hammond organ. The backup singers, who include Bonnie Raitt, answer Paul's repetitive chorus. Soon it becomes clear that the “It” we are “doing in the dark” is more than first meets the eye. The album is not without social commentary after all.

CM 4396 CD $16