Music review: Paul Carrack – 鈥楢nother Side of Paul Carrack鈥�
We鈥檝e seen several sides of Paul Carrack over the course of his impressive musical career.
The English singer, songwriter and instrumentalist found stardom through his involvement with several bands as well as a solo act.
As a member of Ace, Carrack penned and sang the group鈥檚 biggest hit 鈥淗ow Long鈥� back in 1974.
Years after Ace disbanded, it was Carrack joining Squeeze and playing keyboards on the band鈥檚 fourth album 鈥淓ast Side Story鈥� with Carrack also providing the vocals on the single 鈥淭empted.鈥�
In 1985, Carrack would join Mike and the Mechanics, sharing lead vocals with the equally talented Paul Young. Carrack was front and center on several of the band鈥檚 standout tracks such as 鈥淪ilent Running (On Dangerous Ground)鈥� and 鈥淭he Living Years.鈥�
Carrack鈥檚 latest release was recorded live in Germany as part of a television special and features the SWR Big Band and Strings assisting Carrack as he displays his versatility and talent for masterfully handling a variety of musical styles.
The 13-track set possesses elements of blues, swing and jazz on numbers effortlessly reimagined by Carrack with a sophisticated smoothness that is simultaneously elegant, hip and timeless.
Album highlights include Carrack鈥檚 sparkling performances on the memorable standards 鈥淐ome Rain or Come Shine,鈥� 鈥淚鈥檝e Got You Under My Skin,鈥� 鈥淵ou Don鈥檛 Know Me,鈥� 鈥淒anny Boy鈥� and 鈥淎t Last.鈥�
The 69-year-old singer鈥檚 golden voice is still as vibrant as ever on stellar tracks like 鈥淪ticks and Stones,鈥� spotlighting the SWR Big Band and Strings, a soulful cover of Nick Lowe鈥檚 鈥淲hat鈥檚 Shakin鈥� on the Hill鈥� and a heartfelt version of 鈥淔or All We Know,鈥� previously recorded by Donny Hathaway.
As an added bonus, Carrack performs a stirring rendition of 鈥淟ove Will Keep Us Alive.鈥� The tender ballad was co-written by Carrack and was recorded by the Eagles for 1994鈥檚 鈥淗ell Freezes Over.鈥�
The album comes to a touching close with Carrack offering up an intimate version of 鈥淭he Living Years.鈥� The emotion of dealing with unresolved conflict and regret serves as a haunting reminder to make the most of each day and not to take anyone for granted.
Here鈥檚 hoping that Carrack continues to show his many sides.