RECORD reviewer Kevin Bryan is back with his thoughts on a Ian Gillan Band anthology and releases from The Ciderhouse Rebellion, and Taylor Young Band.

Ian Gillan Band, Return to the Source (Talking Elephant)

This splendid anthology focusses attention on the musical exploits of the Ian Gillan Band, the relatively short-lived outfit formed by vocalist Gillan after his initial departure from Deep Purple in 1973.

The contents have been extracted from four albums which originally appeared on the now-defunct Angel Air label, with guitarist Ray Fenwick and keyboards wizard Colin Towns in sparkling form as Gillan and company tackle a blend of original material and revamped golden oldies from Purple’s illustrious back catalogue, including ‘Woman From Tokyo’, ‘Child in Time’ and the classic ‘Smoke On The Water’. 

The Ciderhouse Rebellion, Genius Loci 2: The Valley of Iron (Under The Eaves)

This absorbing vehicle for the talents of accordion ace Murray Grainger and fiddler Adam Summerhayes was recorded live amidst the ruins of the ironstone industry in Rosedale at the heart of the North York Moors.

This harsh and windswept location inspired the duo to rare heights of creativity as they brought their improvisatory skills to bear on a series of stunningy evocative  pieces which they captured for posterity at various locations in this now peaceful rural dale during the past year.

The finished product forms part of the Arts Council-funded project, ‘Ironstone Tales’, a series of short films exploring the post-industrial landscape of the area and its potential to inspire art.

The Ciderhouse Rebellion are certainly one of British folk’s finest instrumental duos, blessed with a seemingly effortless ability to conjure magical melodies out of the ether at will.

Taylor Young Band, Mercury Transit (Hand Drawn Records)

The first album from laid-back Texan tunesmith Taylor Young and his like-minded musical cohorts mines a rich vein of jangling melodic power pop which has already prompted highly favourable comparisons with the likes of Tom Petty, The Byrds and Alex Chilton’s cult heroes Big Star.

Young’s heady fusion of Americana and radio-friendly mid-tempo rock certainly repays closer investigation, with timeless gems such as ‘Shine On Me’, “Rattled” and ‘Get Around’ capturing the essence of his unashamedly accessible sound.