Private Moments by Graham Robins.

An advance copy of the new EP from Graham Robins called Private Moments popped through my letterbox yesterday. I was extremely pleased about that because there has been a big silence from Graham for quite a few years now, so it is great to know he is back on the corner again making great soul connected music, same as it ever was. I think it was 2011 when I first became aware of Graham’s music when Simon Gee of Wavelength magazine sent me a copy of the very Van Morrison influenced The Shipping News album. That was followed up by the equally great Parish Papers & Short Stories in 2015, and Majestic Halls in 2017.  I reviewed all those albums previously on my blog site. 

There are just three tracks on this new EP which I think might be a teaser for a brand-new album planned for next year. Graham wrote all three songs. The excellent horn arrangements are by Paul Devonshire. As well as Graham on vocals and acoustic guitar the recording features a great six-piece band consisting of Max Milligan on electric and acoustic guitar, Stuart Lynas on piano and Hammond organ, Robbie Matthews on bass, Paul Devonshire on whistle and saxes, Matt Wynch on flugel horn and trumpet and Paul Hornsby on drums.

Of the three songs, my favourite is the opener Have You Fallen In Love At First Sight? It is an epic soulful ballad, up there with the best songs Graham has ever produced. Graham’s emotional delivery and all the band are terrific. I think Paul’s whistle playing also gives the song a nice underlying Irish Celtic feel. The title track Private Moments is a very catchy danceable song. I think it would be even more perfect with a couple of girl backing singers in the mix, but it is pretty great as it is. When I read the title of the final song Shovelling Coal I immediately thought of the great soul classic Working In A Coal Mine by Lee Dorsey, but Graham’s song is about his grandad who worked on the railway and smoked forty cigarettes a day. When I listened to this upbeat song the humorous, sometimes sad lyrics about his grandad actually brought Ooh La La by Rod Stewart & The Faces into my mind. It is a very enjoyable song.

My only complaint about this EP is that it is too short. If Graham has a few more songs of this quality up his sleeve then I am definitely looking forward to a new album. Graham will be promoting his new music at the Bear Club in his hometown of Luton on Wednesday, 8 November, so if you live in the Luton area I advise you to get along there and enjoy the soulful sound of Graham Robins & his band. You can find out more about Graham on his website here- http://www.grahamrobins.com/