Luca Nieri - This Path

Released: 19 Mar 2023
Label: High Tide Records

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Luca Nieri returns with a new album of beautifully ambient Folk. Over the years, he has released an impressive number of albums (many of them being  instrumental), as well as collaborating with another favourite songwriter of mine - RW Hedges.    

The new album opens with 'Rest My Soul' which is wonderfully subtle and enchanting. There are hints of jazz, and it brought to mind the 50s harmony group The Fleetwoods.

Other highlights include - 'This Path' which is a heartfelt love song of the highest standard. It is so laid back with some lovely melodies and arrangements. 'March On' is Autumnal in sound and brought to mind Luca's earlier band - The Monks Kitchen.  

'Never Get To Love You' is a superb cover of a lost gem by Burt Bacharach. It fits in so well here and on first listen, it had me quite emotional. The intricate production gives it a timeless quality.

'Picture of A Song' is a stripped back ballad, reminiscent of the old jazz classic - 'That Lucky Old Sun'.  The lyrics are beautifully vivid - "Leaves are like boats that swim the sky...". It ends on my favourite 'Baby Lets Leave it Right Here' which sounds like it could have been a hit anytime before the early 60s. There are hints of Billie Holiday.

A highly recommended listen and the strongest album of the year so far. It is also well worth investigating the rest of his catalogue on High Tide Records.