Ian Rushton: Spring Will Come Again

By Simon Sweetman

This a return to Rushton's piano-based instrumental style of earlier albums 'All That You Need' and 'Something To Live By'. There is no question that Rushton can play and has orchestrated and arranged some fine ambient background music here. I imagine this to be a sought after release for nail clinics, masseuses, physiotherapists and acupuncturists - or for doctors' and dentists' waiting rooms. And I'm not suggesting that with any cynicism or sarcasm. Rushton's music is reminiscent of the Phil Coulter school of piano, or of Jean Michel Jarre's early 1990s work, where he eschewed the synths for a gentler, more melodic, straight piano approach. But Michael Nyman or Philip Glass this is not! 'Spring…' is his fifth album release since December 2002 and with two further albums apparently planned this year, it might well be an idea for Ian Rushton to slow down, change course somewhat and branch out into collaboration. I could see him making a fine musical director or arranger for a talented young diva.

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NZ Musician

October/November 2006