David Gilmour - On An Island
	Released: 2006 Label: EMI Cat. No.: 0946 3 55695 2 0 Total Time: 51:45
	Reviewed by: Eric Porter, March 2006 Listening to On An Island, one gets the feeling that David Gilmour could be the most content person on earth.  With its unhurried pace, atmospheric soundscapes, and effortless guitar work, Gilmour's third solo album is a winner. With 22 years between solo efforts (About Face), and 12 years since Pink Floyd's last recording  (The Division Bell), a sense of urgency does not seem to be in Gilmour's blood. Let's hope we don't have to wait until Gilmour turns 80 for his next recording. "Castellorizon" opens slowly, evolving ala "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," we don't have to wait long to hear those thick bluesy riffs that Gilmour has made famous throughout his career.  This leads into the albums title track, and first single, featuring backing vocals courtesy of David Crosby and Graham Nash.  The song is the perfect vehicle for Gilmour's guitar and voice.  Speaking of guests, old mate Richard Wright contributes vocals ("The Blue") and Hammond organ on the title track.  "The Blue" reminds me of a lazy summer day, just passing time without a care.  The instrumental "Red Sky At Night" features Gilmour debut on saxophone.  An interesting story behind this is that Gilmour's son was taking saxophone lessons, and he felt compelled to learn the instrument with him.  The bluesy roots come out during "This Heaven" and another instrumental "Then I Close My Eyes."  "Smile" features acoustic slide work, and another simple yet effective arrangement.  The albums appeal continues to grow listen after listen. "On An Island" speaks volumes on the subject of less is more. As simple as many of the songs are, this record is lush, and has a big sound. This record reminds me of songs like "A Pillow Of Winds" from the Meddle days, more acoustic and folk oriented.  This is a perfect lazy day record, and although mellow, it is not a sad or depressing listen, in fact, it is often uplifting.  The CD packaging is excellent, with all the lyrics, a number of pictures and drawings, and the book like binding is very original. With Gilmour turning 60 this year, many may listen to this and say it is too laid back, and Dave is showing his age. On the contrary, On An Island reflects the spirit of its creator, mellow, reflective, and content. [See also Bobo's review -ed.] More about On An Island: Track Listing: Castellorizon / On An Island / The Blue / Take A Breath / Red Sky At Night / This Heaven / Then I Close My Eyes / Smile / A Pocketful Of Stones / Where We Start Musicians: David Gilmour - guitar, vocals, electric piano, percussion, bass, piano, saxophone, bass harmonica, cümbüs, Hammond organ David Crosby - vocals Graham Nash - vocals Richard Wright - Hammond organ, vocals Rado Klose - guitar Guy Pratt - bass Andy Newmark - drums Chris Thomas - keyboards Chris Sainton - Hammond organ Jools Holland - piano Polly Samson - piano Ged Lynch - drums Phil Manzanera - keyboards Leszek Mozdzer - piano Caroline Dale - cello Chris Laurence - double bass BJ Cole - Weissenborn guitar Robert Wyatt - cornet, voice, percussion Alasdair Malloy - glass harmonica Willie Wilson - drums Lucy Wakeford - harp Contact: Website: www.davidgilmour.com Note: will open new browser window Discography David Gilmour (1978) About Face (1984) On An Island (2006) David Gilmour In Concert (2003) (DVD)
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