A skilful guitarist and a gifted singer-songwriter, Paul Casey has been described as a blend of Ry Cooder and David Gray — not an altogether inaccurate comparison. But a few spins of this, his third album, reveals much broader influences and a sound that’s very much his own. The opening ‘I Do’ recalls fellow Northerner Paul Brady’s songwriting approach and his handy way with a neat bridge and a catchy chorus. With its widescreen Americana textures, ‘The Shoe Song’ could fit quite comfortably into John Cougar Mellencamp’s back catalogue while ‘The Last Goodbye’ has a strong Tex-Mex, south-of-the-border feel to it
The ballad, ‘Blow Away The Clouds’ explains the David Gray comparison while ‘Why Don’t We Talk’ boasts the bolero beat and bassline of Roy Orbison’s ‘Blue Bayou’. A terrific song in its own right, it could well pick up some cover versions given the right exposure; you could easily imagine someone like Bonnie Raitt or Norah Jones making a fair fist of it.
Casey has worked with Chris Rea and guests on the Middlesbrough star’s upcoming European tour – surely something that will widen his audience. Meanwhile Scrapbook is as good a starting point as any for those seeking top quality songwriting and musicianship.