Reflections - Ed Alleyne-Johnson

...was carrying a copy of Reflections in his coat pocket.

Reflections is a brilliant cover album of some true classic rock classics. "Shine On You Crazy Diamond", "Kashmir" and "Freebird" are just three of the nine. They're not exact recreations either, they've got an interesting twist, almost a lilt, which is good, because a direct copy played on the electric violin wouldn't sound right.

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...but it's not exactly diminished either. In the same way that a reflection of the moon is almost more romantic than the moon itself, Alleyne-Johnson's "Freebird" is somehow more 'Freebird' than the original.

It's an extremely relaxing album, brilliant as background music, unlike every other album I've reviewed I can listen to it whilst I write without being distracted every so often, but equally worthwhile as music on its ... more

The first time I saw Ed Alleyne Johnson, I was walking through York, my favourite city in the world, and heard superb music coming from somewhere close by. My Mum and I walked on until we rounded a corner and he was just there, standing by the fence round a church, between two blocks of shops with one of the biggest street crowds I've ever seen watching him. He was absolutely amazing, playing one of my favourite songs in a way which made it seem as new and exciting as it had been the first time I heard it. I instantly resolved to go on the internet and buy one of his CDs as soon as I got home. My brother, however, was wandering round York with my Dad, and was equally flabbergasted by his performance, and when we met up to go home, he was carrying a copy of Reflections in his coat pocket.

Reflections is a brilliant cover album of some true classic rock classics. "Shine On You Crazy Diamond", "Kashmir" and "Freebird" are just three of the nine. They're not exact recreations either, they've got an interesting twist, almost a lilt, which is good, because a direct copy played on the electric violin wouldn't sound right.

Reflections really is a reflection. It's not the same thing, but it's not exactly diminished either. In the same way that a reflection of the moon is almost more romantic than the moon itself, Alleyne-Johnson's "Freebird" is somehow more 'Freebird' than the original.

It's an extremely relaxing album, brilliant as background music, unlike every other album I've reviewed I can listen to it whilst I write without being distracted every so often, but equally worthwhile as music on its own for listening to. "Kashmir", in particular, is impressive, possibly better than the original (heresy, I know, but I think it's true).

His virtuoso performance can't be faulted, it's smooth and free and fun, yet subtle at the same time. I can't quite get my head round this album, but I really love it! 

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