Album review: JOHNNY COPPIN – River Of Dreams

Red Sky Records [Release date 25.02.22]

Johnny Coppin is a singer songwriter who was a member of Decameron back in the 1970′s and has released over a dozen solo albums to date. He has toured as part of a duo with Phil Beer of Show Of Hands and in more recent times with Mike Silver and Paul Burgess (who adds his fiddle & recorder playing to a couple of songs on this album). Joining Coppin and Burgess are Dik Cadbury (Julie July Band, ex-Decameron, ex-Steve Hackett) on backing vocals; Geoff March (ex-Decameron) on cello; John Broomhall on piano and organ; Mick Candler on drums; Gareth Sampson on bass; and Ben Church on dobro.

The songs – many written in lockdown over the past year or so – are about legends, separation, ambition, fears and dreams.

Opening with ‘The Bisley Boy’, which is about the young Elizabeth I dying when In Gloucestershire, and being replaced by a local boy as there were no girls who looked like her. A fascinating tale, one of many contained on this album, including ‘Song of The Severn’ about the River Severn, and the legend of Sabrina, the goddess of the river.

‘In The Heart of the War’ is Coppin’s tribute to the men and women of the SOE (Special Operations Executive) working in France during World War II. Beautifully sung and crafted, with the dobro an added piece of class to overall proceedings.

Bringing things up to date ‘Let’s Find A Way’ is a pandemic inspired song, which has a gentle, yet memorable chorus and is an uplifting tune.

There are two covers, the first being ‘When The Master Calls The Roll’, written by Rosanna Cash, John Leventhal & Rodney Crowell. Then there is ‘The Greenway’ – a song by Stroud singer-songwriter Jehanne Mehta – is a delightful song about appreciating the natural world around. One for those after traditional folk and features the cello of Geoff March.

The album is nicely produced allowing Coppin’s singing to take centre stage, to which are added the various instruments that complement, rather than overhwelm, the singing.

Johnny Coppin has created an album that will certainly satisfy his fans and those who enjoy mature singer songwriters who have moved on from self-introspection, to real life stories and tales. Coppin has a stunning vocal, still powerful and moving after many years of singing and performing. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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