A lot of tender loving care has gone into producing these Perfect Houseplants, with the result that their album is a flourishing, well-paced specimen that should prove hardy and suitable for all musical climates. I Wonder (Duet) and Still Hearing You, the one eliding into the other, are classic ballads, the softly, softly piano of the first setting the tone of poise and restraint that echoes round the lush arrangement of the second.
Red Car is a smooth Basieish jump, Waltz has some quirky hurdy-gurdy accompaniment, and Magic Carpet and Kitchen Sink show the band well able to take some risks. There is a tendency to restrained English romanticism, particularly from Lockheart’s yearning tenor, but Huw Warren’s piano has an edge that makes him consistently worth listening to. Bass and drums are fine in support, and while the earth is not moved massively, there is much on this set to recommend it.
Discography
Clec/Gossip; Waltz (And All); Red Car; I Wonder (Duet); Still Hearing You; Magic Carpet; Butterflies; I Wonder; And The Kitchen Sink (45.31)
Mark Lockheart (ts, ss); Huw Warren (p, acn, clo); Dudley Phillips (b, elb); Martin France (d, pc). Recorded Britain, April 1994.
(EFZ1011)
