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Absolute [Release date 12.05.23]
I’ve often wondered about a canal boat holiday, traversing the criss-cross network hopefully in the sunshine, away from congested roads, and with regular stops for refreshment. And, maybe, if I took the plunge as it were (toe in the water?) Robbie Cumming’s ‘Choons’ would be the soundtrack.
Cummings himself has been inspired by his own love of the canals and some of this music accompanied his BBC4 programme ‘Canal Boat Diaries’ which, in 2019, was a sort of update on ‘Great Canal Journeys’ Timothy West and Prunella Scales’ definitive travelogue. ‘Choons’ has all been recorded on his own narrowboat ‘Naughty Lass’.
The music is predominately acoustic guitar or synth keys with a simple accompaniment, over a repeated motif or with use of a drum machine or maybe both. It probably works better as background accompaniment to a TV series or YouTube video and, as Cummings admits, the tracks aren’t perfect, “some lack proper endings even, and there are countless ‘happy mistakes’”.
The album may appeal mostly to those who have enjoyed the TV series (which is still running). It’s obviously a very personal project and, let’s face it, Cummings is not the next Bert Jansch or Vangelis. But in these 22 pieces he has effectively captured the essence of canal boating. This activity can be sometimes lonesome, sometimes monotonous, sometimes all consuming and, moreover, complete escapism. And ‘Choons’ has it covered. **1/2
Review by David Randall
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