Avonmore
by Bryan Ferry

Since "Boys and Girls" and "Bête Noir" it kind of went the wrong way for Bryan Ferry. His compositions lost punch and sharpness. Ferry is still a perfectionist, chooses the best musicians to deliver what he has in his mind and will probably still cherish many old-fashioned Western values, but on this album he buries the essence of his compositions in a swamp of musical craftsmanship and in too many layers of arrangements. I know: others would call that “rich”. In "Midnight Train" no less than 9 guitarists are involved. It’s great to hear Ferry still stubbornly follows his own path, but that is just not enough to find "Avonmore" a very good album. "Driving me Wild", "Loop De Li", "Avonmore" and "One Night Stand" (the latter with the surefire female choir and a saxophone solo that may go its own way for once) save Ferry from losing face, as many songs are too much ambient, furnished with few touching and quite uninspired vocal lines. I saw Ferry live in concert not long ago and enjoyed every minute of it. The digging up of the Roxy Music prize animals ("In every Dreamhome ...", Do the Strand " etc.) has undoubtedly contributed to this. But the gentleman has enough highlights from his solo oeuvre to demonstrate his relevance as a solo musician outside of Roxy Music. I hardly recognize the Bryan Ferry from "Price of Love" or "Change Meeting" on this album. His newest songs lack sharpness, persuasiveness while the dark sensuality now makes way for something too mellow. The obligatory cover “Johnny & Mary” is absolutely superfluous despite the approach with velvet gloves. Yes, it is an interpretation by Ferry in which the original “tristesse” remains intact, but apart from the spaciousness she contributes oh so little. In other reviews I read that this record is a slow grower. Which can. In that case I will revoke my opinion and will gladly adjust this review.

A bit bland. Can't rate it yet.