A talented, committed musician in his youth, Adrian Nation described his first compositions as “the ramblings of a searching teenager”. He may ramble less these days, but his search continues, and he has evolved into one of the most insightful and incisive songwriters of his generation.
Influenced at an early age by the genius of Bob Dylan and the melodic fluidity of Mark Knopfler’s haunting guitar, Adrian’s teenage eyes and ears were truly opened when the late Isaac Guillory “played the guitar like I had never seen.” Reflecting on this experience Adrian says, “Suddenly the acoustic guitar was a much bigger instrument than I ever thought it could be. My mind was set.”
In 2003 Adrian released his first solo work, the critically acclaimed SOWING SEEDS, a collection of ten self-composed songs packaged with beautiful artwork. Would Adrian fall prey to the ‘difficult second album syndrome’ certainly not, an ambitious work by any standards, Adrian has enlisted Chris West to produce the follow-up FALL OR FLY.
Chris’s recent credits include Richard Ashcroft’s platinum-selling KEYS TO THE WORLD. Referring to the project Chris West said, “It’s not often you discover an artist that has the three S’s for success: Songs, Singing and Serious Musicianship. Once you let yourself be charmed by his music, you are hooked.”
The sheer quality of the contributors speaks volumes: Gerry Conway on drums (Jethro Tull, Cat Stevens and Fairport Convention), bassist Brad Lang (Ray Charles, Robbie Williams, Elkie Brooks, Barbara Dickson amongst many), guitarist Colin Linden (celebrated producer of Bruce Cockburn, in-demand Nashville based session player) and Troy Donockley who supplies low whistles & Uillean Pipes (internationally renowned player with Midge Ure, Barbara Dickson and Status Quo).
Amongst those fortunate enough to hear the album during production, Mike Paxman (Judie Tzuke’s writing partner and Status Quo producer) exudes “As soon as you hear the first few bars of ‘Don’t Turn Away’ you are aware that you are in the company of a great songwriter.” and when speaking of Song To Maria Mike Paxman goes further to point out: “For me, the beautiful and evocative ‘Song To Maria’ is one of the best songs I’ve heard in years.” The Other Side Of The Night (Song To Maria) is a true highlight on the album and along with Brightest Star are two of the most emotional songs I have heard in a long, long time, highlighting the true art of the songwriter to perfectly capture the moment. Pivotal to all of this however, is the sublime guitar and voice of Adrian Nation. He is the central pillar around which these performances sit, and the songs are the very foundations upon which the superb FALL OR FLY stands.
Adrian Nation is constantly on the road performing his heartfelt songs at clubs and festivals the length and breadth of the British Isles as well as the rest of Europe, in fact he has just returned from playing the second of two 2010 tours of Greece.
For the latest information and tour news please visit the websites , https://adriannation.com/
“If you want to hear great vocals and songs accompanied by blistering guitar then go and see Adrian Nation live” Chris While
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