Tess of the Circle - Thorns

(CD Album Review)

***1/2

This is the newest offering from a well accomplished singer / songwriter Tess Jones.

It doesn’t take long to establish what Tess's influences are, as they are firmly based back in the glory days of 70’s Classic Rock. There is a strong tinge of The Moody Blues throughout the whole album, but add to this many other sounds reminiscent of such stalwarts as Jethro Tull and early Led Zeppelin / Deep Purple. If you add all these together you should have a pretty good picture of what his work is about. In this current era of loud and brash rock sounds, it’s great to listen to eleven beautifully crafted tracks with real lyrics and a story to them.

Add to this the awesome fusion of a strong string section and articulate acoustic guitar sounds, it makes for a great feel good album. To purvey a taste of what this CD contains, here’s my perception of some of the tracks on it. Opening number 'Better Days' has a distinctly early Jethro Tull Folk Rock feel to it, which you don't hear that much these days. 'Vagabonds and Rogues' isn’t quite a ballad by definition, but has a slower beat and melodic sound. “Cracks and Burns” contains some awesome guitar work and is reminiscent of Bad Company in places. 'History' is more of an uplifting electric Folk track which induces a real feel good factor and 'Life Song' has an almost Latin beat to it which works surprisingly well.

There are many Rock fans of a certain age out there that hark back to the glory days of the 70’s, me being one of them!, and this CD should satisfy the longing for a trip down memory lane. It’s hard to pick out a favourite track as they are all quality, but if I was pinned down to one, it’d have to be the more upbeat opening number 'Better Days', with its catchy thumping rock undercurrent. This being said I also appreciate the serenity of 'Eyes of a Clown', with its haunting lyrics and moody atmospherics. Having already gained acclaim from such DJ greats as the legendary Bob Harris and Radio 2’s Janice Long, Tess is definitely destined for big things. I’d urge anyone to give this album a listen, you won’t be disappointed!!!.