Trick Of Time

He's a musician of exceptional skill and creativity, who has brought his brand of magic to the assistance of many others, including Van Morrison - so I guess it was only a matter of time before he made his own solo album. With his CV, it would have been easy to pack the guest list with the great and the good, but wisely, Peter has allowed both himself and his music to stand on their own merits.

Trick of Time is a sparse but engaging affair, played with enormous conviction, with echoes of his sojourn in Nashville in the title track and 'Rain To Grow', for instance. His is a weary voice, reminiscent of John Prine at times, and with each listen one becomes more convinced that nestling here are several songs crying out to be covered by Nashville's finest - nothing that a good publishing deal couldn't sort, methinks.

Trick Of Time marks the belated entrance of one of Ireland's finest into the full glare of the headlights. This is a lovely, thoughtful album that insinuates and whispers its charms rather than shouting them from the rooftops. It deserves the fullest attention.