Casino Gravity - 2004 - 43 minutes
Jeff Martin released his debut 'Still' in 2001, a fine, low-key record that more people should have heard but which emerged as the singer-songwriter scene began to boom and favourites took hold.
Hopefully such a scenario won't happen again because the progress Martin has made from that album to this one is the difference between being able to jump a fence and pole vaulting over The Spire.
Taking his quiet vocals and acoustic guitar, and making the sound busier and more dynamic, he's moved further away from a genre and into his own world where he shouldn't be too lonely for too long.
'Spoons' brims with confidence and imagination - beautifully produced, there are classical touches, subtle electronics and even a trumpet to delight along the way.
It's a treat you'll thank yourself for.
Harry Guerin
Tracklisting: Magnet Line - Balancing Act - Plays Music - The Promise - Veelow (Pt 1 & 2) - Make Change - Shuttlecock - Spoons - Interlude: Tune for a Stranger - Anyone's Pocket - Augustine
