SANCTUARY | COVERED

The latest in the 'Sanctuary' series of albums finds Robert Reed revisiting thirteen tracks from his favourite composers, arranged and performed by Robert alongside guests Les Penning, Tom Newman, Terry Oldfield and Angharad Brinn. When I say "revisiting" I mean we get versions here of songs written and recorded by others, but I believe that all these versions (apart from, I think, "Telstar") have already been available on EP's. I am pretty sure both "Willow's Song" and "Scarborough Fair" come from the 2014 'Willow's Song EP' where Robert provided all the instruments and vocals were by Angharad Brinn who has been involved in the Sanctuary project for some time as well as Cyan, plus there have been a number of other EP's over the years.

But this is just a minor quibble, as when working in this format Reed continues to channel his inner Oldfield, and to hear what Oldfield might have done to the "Doctor Who" theme is just delicious, while any excuse to listen to David Bedford material should always be taken. His version of "King Aeolus" is a masterclass and that Bedford these days never seems to get the kudos he deserves is awful as he had such a huge impact on others, his album 'Nurses Song with Elephants' featured both Kevin Ayers and Oldfield among others and the title track is one of three Bedford songs included here. Brinn has a wonderful vocal style, providing sheer class to any song she is involved with, while Reed continues to have a very clear direction of what he wants to achieve with his music and his delight at being able to work with Oldfield luminaries is palpable.