JAMES CRUICKSHANK – NOTE TO SELF

Musician retreats to North Coast for ‘sea change’ after many years in successful Australian band. Nothing new so far. James Cruickshank first came to our attention playing with the underrated Widdershins, before garnishing considerably more attention and acclaim with The Cruel Sea. Since their 2002 last hurrah Cruickshank has kept playing and recording, Note To Self being his third solo album and a real gem at that. With big nods to Tom Waits in both song-writing and recording approach, Cruickshank fears little and explores much on these eight tracks (plus obligatory “hidden track”). He goes from the down-the-line blues of Blue Falcon straight into the programmed pop of Elvis’ Ooh Las Vegas, and it works on both counts. Then he produces the next track and album highlight  Invisible Tattoo as a gorgeous blue-eyed soul number. Throw in the closing instrumental title track and a cover of George Harrison’s Within Without You and Cruickshank has swung you around the musical round-about and back again. No-one will tell you James Cruickshank has a wonderful singing voice, he is capable in all areas; but what he does have is a wonderful and adventurous musical voice you should listen to.

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