OYSTERBAND – DIAMONDS ON THE WATER (Navigator Records 087)

DiamondsOTWaterThe long awaited album from Oysterband is now here and being given rave reviews by those who hear it!  Including me!  It’s seven years since we had a new album full of new material and it is well worth the wait.  It has been #2 on the iTunes album chart already.

First time I put it on my player I was totally hooked!  A new line up was necessary with the exit of Ray ‘Chopper’ Cooper, and achieved with the addition of guitarist Al Scott (who produced and mixed the album) and vocalist Rowan Godel.  Lead singer John Jones has said that he had been nervous as to how it would be received with the changes, but he needn’t have worried.

Ranging from up-tempo Oysterband tracks as we have come to enjoy over the years and such as the fabulous opening track entitled ‘A Clown’s Heart’, ‘A River Runs’ (spine tingling lyrics where the river is human emotions and nothing to do with water…..), ‘Diamonds on The Water’ etc, and then tracks such as ‘Once I Had A Sweetheart’ and ‘Steal Away’

I could comment on them all but I think this album needs to be heard by all, as all the tracks are fabulous! Twelve glorious tracks to savour.

Other guests on the album are: Adrian Oxaal, Lindsey Oliver, Peter Davison, Eira Owen, Sarah Leeves and ex Oysterband member Lee Partis on vocals.

I have heard most of the tracks live as they are on tour at the moment, so check them out on www.oysterband.co.uk where you can seek out their gig schedule and either buy the album online or purchase as a gig, where the lads and Rowan will come out and sign it for you!

Jean Camp