Forty-two years of recording experience, 24 albums, an impressive list of touring credits and guest appearances alongside musical legends must surely turn this ‘Rebel Man’ into ‘Marathon Man’. Bryn Haworth’s musical style on this 12-track release comes as no surprise as it follows in the same vein as previous records.
Amid the classic blues-based rock ’n’ roll shuffle of opener ‘Love Me like You Used to Do’ and ‘Dancing with the Father’ are exploits in reggae, as heard in the title track ‘Rebel Man’. There are also reworked traditionals such as ‘Just a Closer Walk’ and some tasteful instrumental slide guitar in ‘Only Believe’. The mellow ‘Looking through Different Eyes’ and ‘It’s You I Need’ venture into more melodic and expressive vocal terrain.
The addition of brass and backing vocals, in particular a highly featured female voice, adds a likeable portion of colour and groove alongside Bryn’s unquestionable guitar flair. Rebel Man is honest, unassuming and undoubtedly satisfying. SR
