Paul Jeffery is a singer-songwriter who’s been performing in and around Worcester for a number of years, either as the frontman of The Players, Gandhi’s Walrus or as a solo performer, in each of those guises Paul welds a number of different influences and styles to create a unique and at times off-kilter sound, his guitar tuning often suggests a love of jazz and folk, whilst his distinct vocals emphasis an affinity to the eccentric, maverick ends of the musical spectrum.
The opening number, Placing An Imaginary Hat Upon The Invisible Statue Of John Fahey, is as you’d imagine (if you know anything about John Fahey) a short, yet impressive instrumental piece complete, showcasing Paul’s deft fingerpicking, it’s a nice, lulling acoustic jazz-folk number that sets a gentle, calming mood, which he continues on the equally relaxed Believe, adding his unique croon to the mix whilst his fingers nimbly wander over his acoustics strings, creating a rather nice lament.
Hymn Number Thirty Three And A Third could be a direct continuation (or homage) of the previous track, sure, there’s nice finger picking involved again, but there’s not enough variation to really stand out from the proceeding number and Paul’s vocal limitations work against him as he seems to unable to lift the number. Whilst a track like Broken Boat, which is a nice enough ode to a now depleted vessel, rather meanders a little longer than necessary, without really ever peaking.
On a more positive note the album’s second instrumental number, The Town At Twilight, once again proves Paul’s worth on the guitar and the sudden time change to an almost bluesy feel adds something of a different dimension to Paul’s sound. Whilst Zimmermania is a stronger folky number with Holly Daffurn’s mournful cello adding to the mood, whilst Paul’s voice sounds better the further he moves through the gears.
And then frustratingly there are those tracks that have promising moments, that for me, are never fully realised, Kerfuffle has a tasty piece of blues slide guitar but then instead of concentrating on that element he can’t help disappearing into another tangent and perhaps over egging the pudding, whilst Golden Flower only takes off towards the end when Paul’s harmonica kicks in, leaving you with the feeling that if Paul perhaps reined it in a little, he could produce something more consistent and user friendly.
I guess the enjoyment of Cuttings From Don Quixote’s Neglected Garden would hinder on what you’re looking for, if you want a big sing-a-long, I suggest you look elsewhere, however if you’re partial to something a little more maverick then there’s a great deal to admire, the guitar work is outstanding throughout and there are genuine standout moments such as the aforementioned Zimmermania, but over the course of an album, I did find myself craving for that all elusive hook.
Paul Jeffery, will be showcasing the album live at the Arts Workshop along with Paul J Rose and Jenny Ludlow at the Arts Workshop on April 24th.