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Barry Saunders: Red Morning

The man who is more Warratah than Matt Burke has come back with probably his best album yet. The brainwave of bringing producer David Long on board has worked a charm, adding a new dimension to Saunders' trademark old school NZ country sound. Although still sooo Saunders, 'Red Morning' is a departure, and he sounds freshened up and alive for the experience. The arrangements include all manner of instruments - horns, harmonica, strings - and with a stellar cast including the likes of Caroline Esther, Ross Burge, Steve Roche and co-producer Mike Gibson, there's a wealth of experience on hand. Although still largely country-pop, these songs have a new colour to them, Saunders revelling in the freedom Long's arrangements have given him. Whether he's dabbling in blues (The Stumbling Man), touching on Irish/Celtic (Wind In The Pines), or lovely pop numbers (Bay Of Blue), you can't help but feel happy listening along. Opener One Red Morning is the sort of song you could start a movie with. The cover of Diamond Joe is exceptional, done folky and Springsteen-like. Saunders is a great songwriter, and it's a pleasure to hear his material sounding like this. Out on Universal.

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