Nick Tann
Album: The Vinyl Project
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 8
Website: http://nicktann.co.uk/

In the contemporary world, I'm not sure if it's irony or not, but there is something delightfully rebellious about reviewing an album called "The Vinyl Project" from mp3s burnt from a cd. It's something that in its self makes a statement about music in the second decade of the twenty first century. As it is the thing that makes the vinyl project valid is the use of the vinyl cd.

Actually the thing that makes "The Vinyl Project" valid is the quality of the writing and performance. Had I received the album at the start of the year, I would probably be waxing lyrical about Nick Tann taking his destiny in his hand by choosing to do the album studio live, in front of an audience with no overdubs, but that very organic method of recording an album definitely seems to becoming back into vogue this year and that really leaves me free to talk about the album.

The Southampton based singer-songwriter is one of a rare handful that primarily write and perform on the 12 string. As an instrument, I always feel that the 12 string is more mellow, more harmonious than its six string cousin. Nick Tann has, to my ear, quite a hard edged voice and that provides a greater counterpoint to that more relaxed guitar sound. It also provides an opportunity for the words to find a real clarity, not only in pronunciation, but also in meaning.

Tann is a real wordsmith, the songs have a well thought out element, I guess the simple reference would be Jeff Buckley, but to an extent that's lazy journalism and it doesn't tell the whole story. There is enough in Tann's songs to show who his influences are, but that's balanced with enough individuality to identify him as his own man.

"The Vinyl Project" is available on a pay what it's worth basis. On the website the recommendation is for six quid, I reckon Nick Tann is selling himself short at that price, but it's definitely checking out and you might just have yourself a bargain.

Neil King