Album review: WILLIE DOWLING – The Simpleton

Bandcamp [Release date 01.11.24]

A new Willie Dowling album, whether it be under his own name or as part of one of his many fine groups like the Grip, Honeycrack, the Dowling Poole et al, is always a treat.

On ‘The Simpleton’ Willie Dowling has gone for something different as he explains, “It’s something of a departure from the intricate, multi-layered productions of the albums that I’ve made for the past couple of decades.

When I was just a kid – in fact from the age of 15 to 21 – I used to play piano and sing in hotels and restaurants, initially in Newcastle where I grew up, and then in London when I moved there, aged 18. I’d play everything from cheesy standards to Tom Waits and Billy Joel, largely as background noise to wealthy people sucking up soup.

I came to hate it, and for the sake of my sanity I quit aged 21 and started The Grip, and there began a long history of bands I lead, all doomed to end up in the folder marked ‘Noble efforts who also ran’.”

”During lockdown I found myself wondering whether I could still write a stripped down, piano-driven song as I’d used to do, and I wrote the song The Simpleton. To my surprise, I found I enjoyed the experience so much, I ended up writing an album of piano songs, with enough left over for a huge pudding, followed by second helpings, should I fancy a wee bit more.”

Aside from Willie on vocals, keys & occasional bass, he is joined by drummer Darby Todd (Devin Townsend, Jordan Rudess, the Darkness), on additional bass Andy Lewis & Jon Poole (the other half of the Dowling Poole) and on Jo Lewis on cello, strings.

The title track has a piano solo of wonder. Simply amazing playing and melody. ‘I Killed My Imaginary Friend’ has a jaunty melody, lots of harmony vocals and another song that highlights his piano playing skills.

The scathing ‘Long Drop Down’ highlights the way society is split much to the glee and the benefit of the real criminals, the corrupt business people and politicians. ‘Sadie Goldman’ leaves a tear or two in the listener’s eyes. The way the piano complements the lyrics is a thing of sheer beauty.

Ending with a flourish of strings, drums and piano ‘In the Ocean’ sees the album out in grandiose style. A lot is packed in both musically and lyrically on this song.

When growing up in the 1970s pianists like Liberace, André Previn, Bobby Crush and even Mrs Mills, were staples of the airwaves and TV. Perhaps this album will see piano led songs back in vogue? Even if it doesn’t you can hear that Willie Dowling had fun creating these songs and as ever, his lyrics pack a powerful punch wrapped in sugar coated melodies. Simply marvellous. ****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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