River of Dreams

There is something charmingly familiar and almost old fashioned about ex-Decameron guitarist Johnny Coppin’s River of Dreams that is evident as soon as opener ‘The Bisley Boy’ kicks in. A tightly written narrative based on a legend surrounding the identity of Queen Elizabeth I is accompanied by acoustic guitar, percussion and violin. Johnny’s vocal is very listenable, with a clean timbre that the instruments gently enhance. ‘Long Summer’ uses a slower piano and guitar line to frame a rather lovely interpretation of Gloucestershire poet Laurie Lee, whose words are sung with clear and earnest consideration by Johnny.

Elsewhere, Rosanne Cash, John Leventhal and Rodney Crowell’s ‘When the Master Calls the Roll’ is another highlight, with subtle licks of slide guitar peppering the song, along with piano notes and violin. Tracks like ‘Let’s Find a Way’ and ‘First Light’ demonstrate Johnny’s strength of writing a simple song around a strong melody and chorus that stays in the ear long after its end. It is not challenging music by any means, but there is a feeling of high quality throughout this set and it is a pleasure to listen to. The music is considered and very beautiful in places and the lyrics are strong in their simplicity and wonderfully sung.