REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk

Stan Graham - More than Words
Magpie Music MM405

Stan Graham is one of those people who have been on the folk circuit for many years although, I guess, most people will not have heard of him. But it is quite likely that they will have heard at least one of his songs. Before you start moaning about the injustices of the system it has been his own decision to keep such a low profile. His success has been in his writing as he is a past winner of the Keith Marsden songwriting competition, whilst his songs have been covered by the likes of Vin Garbutt and John Wright.

‘More Than Words’ is, I think, Stan’s third collection of his songs, containing my personal favourite ‘ Sarajevo ’ although I do find it a couple of choruses too long. Stan has a relaxed vocal style which slightly understates the importance of his material. He is accompanied by a variety of musicians, including excellent cello from Wendy Wetherby, and the multi-instrumental talent of Steve Lawrence. Containing fifteen songs it is good value for money, but, as they are all four minutes plus long, the CD has a running time of over seventy-five minutes and this is the main problem.

I feel that if ‘More than Words’ is meant as a CD to sit down and listen to it fails because of its length. If it is meant as a source CD of Stan Graham’s well crafted material then it is a success. The lyrics are all on this website in a printable format - I don’t know if there is a book of tunes available though. An album to dip into rather than listen to all the way through.

Dave Beeby