Something that will always warm your heart
Tiger Mummy | Suffolk UK | 05/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Beyond the Leap is the sort of album that will always remain in your collection. It's simply beautiful. Put it to the 2:00 am - on-your-own in the dark test and you'll know what I mean. Talent in abundance. It's not something you'll perhaps fall in love with straight away but give it a chance and it will truly get under your skin."
Beyond brilliance
pete shields | Mansfield Notts England | 02/27/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Martin Stephenson is nothing short of a songwriting genious who manages to stamp his unique Geordie charm on everyone he plays with.
This album is a conglomeration of Irish musicians from bands such as The Prayer Boat and The Devlins together with Martin and his great pal, dobro guitar player, Gipsy Dave Smith.
From the first track, Losing all part of the dream, the beautiful Great Star of Fraternity and the haunting Indian Summer this album oozes class and it is obvious to the listener that all who contributed were lost in the moment of the recordings.During an instrumental break in Indian Summer, Martin whispers " Just another 20 minutes should do it " to the band.
They could easily have done just that as the song ends on a fade.
Great songs, I believe, are basically social commentary and this album has underlining messages without them being forced upon us.
" Hollow Days " is a particular favourite of mine, a song outlining the decline in social morality " Children play computer games instead of kicking cans in their back yards "
Martins message is an important one and it is delivered in a beautiful understated way.
I urge everyone to add this album to their collection.
"