Album Review

Sam Sallon – Kathy’s Song

• 11th Jan 2013

Sam Sallon has made a brave choice in covering a song as iconic as Paul Simon’s great Kathy’s Song for his debut single. But the young acoustic singer songwriter from Manchester certainly does the track justice, and it shows off his expressive, melodic voice rather nicely.

Backed largely by some lovely acoustic guitar playing, Sallon delivers the song with a deliberate air that adds emotion to the exquisite lyrics and the soft strings that come in give an atmospheric air. He is clearly a talented musician and, while not altering the classic song too much, he does put his own stamp on it with his fine vocals.

The three other tracks that come with the single give a window into the breadth of Sallon’s abilities. You Are Home has a deeper vocal and a certain jaunty quality that works well. War, recorded live, is an emotional song, its occasional harsh guitar chords contrasting with Sallon’s passionate vocals. And the closing One For The Road has more of a folk feel, a gentle song with bigger instrumental backing giving a fuller feel, yet not taking away from a fine voice.

San Sallon’s debut album ʻOne For The Roadʼ is due out in early 2013 on indie imprint Indigo-Octagon. On the basis of this taster it should be well worth getting hold of.

Venue: Kathy’s Song
Support Band: Indigo-Octagon