GRAEME CONNORS – KINDRED SPIRIT

Inspired by a chance meeting with rock aficionado Glenn A. Baker following a Randy Newman concert, Kindred Spirit is Graeme Connors tribute to the Australian Singer-Songwriter. Not a predictable ‘covers album’ but more a taster for the canon of great Australian songs. “I was looking for ‘great’ songs rather than ‘hit’ songs,” explains Connors.

There are some gems here too. From Brian Cadd through Shane Howard and Paul Kelly, to the alternative contemporary sound of Paul Greene – the songwriter’s personality shines through. For bone-dry wit and political cynicism, Kevin Johnson’s For the Good of the Nation could have been written yesterday, while Richard Clapton’s Capricorn Dancer, is pure surf rock. From the opening track, Connors breezy country pop is full of casual Australianness that belies the often, gritty lyrics.

For those who love the craft of songwriting there are some specks of treasure and the odd lost masterpiece. (GW)

Kindred Spirit is out now through WJO