Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

There is an element of excitement, a shadow of lingering hopefulness that pervades the listener’s expectations when they hear a new artist for the first time. It can go disastrously wrong and the person who has invested their time and money may feel bitter about it for a while and then all things being equal move on to the next hopeful batch. There of course are the moments when an E.P. or an album just grabs them in a very unexpected and simple way, the joy of hearing something new is what makes it all worth-while.

Such is the case with Jonny Walker’s E.P. This Is Not Me, a courageous, incredibly decent and open set of songs that draw you in with their endearing simplicity that harks back to the great days of 1970’s folk music and ease of listening.

A wandering poet, just as comfortable on the streets busking away for the multitude or the one person that will stop and be changed by his performancess as he is recording what is in essence a set of songs that strike at the very heart of performance street musical poetry. It is possible to believe that Jonny Walker is one of the hearty breed that stands out in all weathers and whilst playing songs that delights and enthrals is ever watchful, mentally taking notes and transferring the results into songs that reach out, palm open and desires nothing but to show that music is an inalienable right.

Jonny Walker’s music comes across as a mixture of Bob Dylan but with the easy style and attitude of Paul Simon at his very best. The music he parades and showcases on the E.P. are all genuine and in a couple of places has the musical feel of a modern day Ralph McTell as his ability to tell a story with conscious within his music shows.

The superb Song For Bernie is to die for, an elegant piece of song-writing that frames the thought of certain Liverpool characters with its weighty and almost mournful repose. The tranquil beauty of the combined talent of Jez Wing and Jonny Walker’s song, Last Waltz of Summer is coupled with the exceptional Strange Disease to give an air to an E.P. that really deserves to be in anyone collection.

There is isn’t a bad song to be found anywhere on the E.P., a rare occurrence in the days of mass produced songs to find someone so very obviously content in bringing a unpretentious smile to those on the street who pass by as well as those who take time to listen at home. A must buy.

Ian D. Hall