Album review: SUNJAY – I’m Just Like You

Website [Release date 11.11.24]

This latest album by singer, songwriter and blues guitarist Sunjay is a tribute to blues legend Chris Smither. The album features 15 of Chris Smither’s original songs, it was originally recorded as a private gift for Smither’s 80th birthday, Sunjay was inspired to share the album with a wider audience – “I’ve kept the guitar parts true to Chris’ original recordings, but added my own flavour with the arrangements and production.”

Joining Sunjay are Charlie Barker (backing vocals), Josh Clark (drums, bass), Gilmore & Roberts’s Katriona Gilmore (backing vocals, fiddle), from Elles Bailey’s band, Jonny Henderson (Hammond Organ, piano) and Lee Southall (harmonica).

Jonny Henderson plays some gorgeous Hammond on ‘What It Might Have Been’, whilst ‘Help Me Now’ is a real toe tapping treat. In fact, the whole album has one big musical smile on its face, with a flurry of tasty guitar and harmonica interplay on ‘Link Of Chain’. Then there is ‘Up on the Lowdown’, a real blues/rock n roll swinger of a song with a great chorus. Lee Southall’s harmonica adds that extra bit of pizzazz.

Some reviews have likened Sunjay to a young Ralph McTell, which you can hear at times in the playing and his singing. I’d also add to that Robb Johnson, another fine and underrated singer and songwriter, particularly on ‘Train Home’ (the fiddle of Katriona Gilmore another fine addition to this song).

After hearing this album this reviewer went off and tracked down the music of Chris Smither, which I heartily urge you to do if you are not familiar with his work.

A fine and unique birthday present idea, which we are lucky enough to be able to hear and enjoy. A real dose of musical happiness and perfect for the autumnal and winter evenings. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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