Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Stripped back, raw, uncovered, exposed and all the while the image of wonderful demeanour and a smile wider than the River Mersey and just as deep and meaningful. It is the only way to think of Alun Parry, one of Liverpool’s true Folk legends and a man who puts himself out there to make sure other’s voices are heard, a gentleman who can pen a song that break your heart into a thousand lonely pieces but who can then rebuild it stronger and able to withstand the next knock on the door and the size nine bullying its way across town.
It is a vision that comes to mind as you listen to Mr. Parry’s latest contribution to the Liverpool annals of music, the very impressive Live at 81 Renshaw Street, it cannot be helped, Alun Parry makes the whole album just intently listenable and when the music plays, the message of anger, of wanting social justice and the burning desire mixing with the resentment of many wrongs done to people in the name of unequal politics, is driven out with the soft voice of guile and that terrific smile, it’s no wonder the following he has laps up the words and the company he offers.
The Bohemian setting of 81 Renshaw Street, a café that boasts the twin aspects of proper tea and a night out, is the perfect setting for such music and times. As part of a larger evening out, Live at 81 Renshaw Street is an album separated out as just an Alun Parry solo show, away from the bigger slice of cake in which he performed his latest line of work. This singular performance though is perhaps more special for the older fans and gives those tuning into Mr. Parry’s unique story-telling ability for the first time, a chance to understand that this is a man of truth and distinction.
Tracks such as the beautiful and very relevant Waiting for the Lovers, the brilliant The Limerick Soviet, Woody’s Song, the resonating I Want Rosa To Stay and the compelling argument surrounding We Can Make The World Stop all are finely tuned and delivered with that deep seated burning anger against inequality, and yet the smile of the blessed cannot help but be heard. Some people in this world, some very fortunate and blessed people have that ability to make you smile and make you think of others at the same time; Mr. Parry is one such musician.
Live at 81 Renshaw Street is a great live album that came out of nowhere, a tremendous listen.
Ian D. Hall