It might sound stupid to call a guitar solo iconic – but how else could one describe the series of Jim Cregan acoustic vignettes on “Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)” by COCKNEY REBEL, one of many classics by quite a few bands the British guitarist was part of, including also FAMILY and BLOSSOM TOES – and one must not forget his long stint as a sidekick to Rod Stewart. The veteran’s not been as prolific on a solo, or quasi-solo, front, however, with CREGAN & CO.’s discography numbering only one studio platter, “Spreading Rumours” from 2021, yet now there’s a new collective he’s leading, JIM CREGAN & THE NEW ACOUSTIC BAND, and a new record in the pipeline.
To be issued on July 18th, “All Those Dreams Ago” – titled after Jim’s original – collects familiar pieces, those from various points of his long career and even ventures into his work with Murray Head, with a fresh look at a certian THE BEATLES ballad, which opens the album, and a take on John Martyn’s evergreen evoked without any link, apart from emotional, to Cregan’s past. And yes, the aforementioned hit is there too – and how could it not make the cut if the group’s drummer is his old compadre Stuart Elliott, who also played on it.
“For a long time now I have wanted to move the band to an acoustic lineup,” says Jim, “and this album is a selection of songs that I now rearranged acoustically, taking advantage of the fantastic musicians I am working with: Sam Tanner on keyboards and vocals, Pat Davey on bass and vocals, Stuart Elliott on drums and percussion, and Marion Fleetwood on cello, violin and vocals. Between us, we have played on albums with sales totaling fifty million or more. ‘All Those Dreams Ago’ features songs that I played on or co-wrote, apart from ‘She’s Leaving Home’ which I’ve always loved but thought it needed an original arrangement so that it wasn’t just a simple cover. I’m looking forward to seeing new people out on the road and I hope the album brings joy to the listeners.”
THE NEW ACOUSTIC BAND –
All Those Dreams Ago
1. She’s Leaving Home
2. All Those Dreams Ago
3. Forever Young
4. Say It Ain’t So, Joe
5. May You Never
6. Brighton Beach
7. Blondes Have More Fun
8. Mr Watchmaker
9. Come Up And See Me (Make Me Smile)
10. My Friend The Sun
11. Only A Boy
12. The Best Days Of My Life
