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Imagine the music of SRV, Eric Johnson and Robben Ford and you won't be far wrong on what Shadowplay offers: sophisticated blues songs with thoughtful arrangements, tasty guitar solos and a smooth vocal delivery. In fact those looking for a new blues guitar stylist should check out Eddie Tatton: his playing on The Jungle Walk and Scoobie Leggett alone is worth the cost of the CD.
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Out of the Blue are fine musicians and Thorpe has a voice ready made for the style.... but his guitar has to be heard...catch the beautiful intro to 'In the Cold Light of Day.'

Out of the Blue was created in 1994 by Kevin Thorpe, to fulfil a one-off gig at the Colne Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival. The enthusiastic reception that they received there prompted them to stay together. They soon produced their debut album, 'Blues In A Bottle'. Shadow Play is the long-awaited sequel to that earlier gem.

The CD comprises ten original numbers, mostly written by singer/guitarist Kevin Thorpe and guitarist Eddie Tatton. The opening number, "Unfinished Business", suitably demonstrates the exceptional skills of those two artistes: the warm, gritty tones of Kevin Thorpe's voice and the exceptional virtuosity of Eddie Tatton's guitar playing.

The music of Out of the Blue has never been easily categorised, although it leans predominantly towards the jazzy end of the blues spectrum. This album comprises funk ("New Woman, New Man" and "Blow By Blow"), jazzy instrumental ("Scoobie Leggett") and shuffle ("What's Your Excuse"). "If You Were Gone" features some searing guitar riffs, complemented by a driving beat from drummer Nigel Lobley; while "The Jungle Walk" boasts a Latin flavour, which provides an appropriate backdrop for some blistering runs from Eddie Tatton that Robben Ford would die for, wonderfully matched by a rippling piano solo from Jason Ashworth.

The CD includes three blues ballads. "In the Cold Light of Day", written by Kevin Thorpe and former keyboard player Jonny Dyke, is a magnificent number, which combines imaginative lyrics with a beautiful melody line. In contrasting mood, there is also the introspective "The Truth Is Sought By A Liar" and the reflective, acoustic "Help Yourself", which concludes the album.

The array of instrumental talent bears witness to the lengthy incubation period of the CD. Apart from the ubiquitous presence of Kevin Thorpe, Eddie Tatton and Nigel Lobley, there are contributions from Lindsay Coulson (five tracks) and the aforementioned Scoobie Leggett (four tracks) on bass, Jonny Dyke (seven tracks) and Jason Ashworth (two tracks) on keyboards and Carl Stanley on tenor sax.

It is a magnificent album, which will delight not only the many loyal fans of the band but also all lovers of sublime blues artistry, which it exudes in abundance.

Rating 9 /10.
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