Tim Edey – The Sleeping Tunes, Vol. 2: Christmas & Celtic Music Played on Guitar
Gnatbite records – 16 December 2018
Over the years, Tim Edey has made an indelible mark on the acoustic music scene and if I had to pick one word to describe that mark it would be ‘variety’. A variety that stems from a seemingly uncanny ability to master whatever instrument he chooses and an insatiable appetite for collaboration. Checking the bio on his website, his far from complete list stops after naming nigh on 30 world-renowned musicians and bands in a spectrum encompassing the Celtic instrumental perfection of The Chieftains and the trademark improvisations of his duets with harmonica maestro Brendan Power.
When Tim released the first Sleeping Tunes album in 2017 it was quite a contrast to much of his recent output, solo, no vocals, with just a couple of guitars to keep him company. But the combination of gentle, slow-paced tunes played with Tim’s absolute mastery of the acoustic guitar proved immensely popular and so, for 2018, we have volume 2, Christmas and Celtic music played on guitar. The18 tracks are weighted in favour of the Christmas theme, 12 are the tunes of well-known carols or Christmas/New Year songs. If you feel you’ve had more than your fill of We Three Kings and the like in the build-up to Christmas, relax, have confidence in Tim. His arrangements strip out the schmaltz and replace it with guitar magic. Arrangements that seem superficially simple blossom as the tracks progress and just when you might be thinking you’ve got the Christmas/Celtic split sorted, up pops a smooth jazz take on Let it Snow, Let it Snow with Tim on a nylon strung electro-acoustic guitar. Then, later in the set, Good King Wenceslas has the melody mainly on acoustic guitar overlain by a funky riff from Tim’s Telecaster. Did I mention Tim’s watchword, variety? The final track deserves a special mention. Tim continues to share with us the hurt and emotions that will always be with him and partner Isobel after the passing of their baby son Griogair. Enda McCabe has composed and Tim plays this beautiful air, simply called Griogair’s Tune.
The album was recorded, mixed and produced by Tim, at home, in the family cottage near Ardara in Co Donegal, and he’s achieved exactly the right level of chill. Tim helpfully guides you towards the ideal listening environment, “…a dram of your choice, light the fire, enjoy and don’t feel forced to sing along”. Whilst the music encourages the body to relax, there’s plenty to keep the brain occupied. As well as the mix of genres keeping the listener on their toes, he’s allowed himself the luxury of overdubs. So, second and even third guitars, they can be acoustic, electro-acoustic, the Telecaster and even bass in places, add, often subtly, to the mix. The result adds texture without overwhelming the music’s essential simplicity. For your Christmas parties, by all means, let Noddy Holder and Roy Wood continue to battle it out, but, after the guests have left, this is the only Christmas album you’ll need.
Order it via Tim’s website | Bandcamp