Darrel Higham - The Songs Of Tony Linder

The Songs Of Tony Linder

Darrel Higham

Released date and year September 2024

Record Label Foot Tapping Records - Foottapping Records - MusicKing.co.uk

Reviewed date July 2024

First paragraph: Little is known about Tony Linder. He was born in Wembley, North West London and wrote all the songs on this CD. Four of the tracks were issued on an EP in 2019 that was released as a tribute to Tony Linder from his son David, Tony passed away in 2012. Darrel has now recorded another eight of Tony’s compositions. Tony himself never had a music career as such, but he has left us this musical legacy.

Members of the Band, Darrel plays all the instruments.

Track by track Review

Come Back – A good rockabilly bopper to kick things off in style. Darrel shows once again just how talented he is with a fine guitar break and some fine slap bass.

It's All Still Foreign To Me – This is also a good rocker with slightly more “commercial” sound. Nice echo on Darrel’s voice and the drums rather than the bass provide a solid rhythm.

Waitin' For The Phone – Another good track for the boppers. Some classic rockabilly guitar riffs from Darrel who really is a master of the genre.

I'm So Shy – I love the guitar sound on this rocking track along with Darrel’s vocals and drum playing.

I'll Forgive Her Anything – The tempo calms down a notch with this track that would be good to stroll to.

Shadow Of The Thunderbird – Darrel channels his inner Hank Marvin on this mid paced instrumental that could have easily been recorded by the Shadows back in the day.

In The Beginning – A ballad with religious lyrics. A nice switch of style to contrast the more rocking tracks.

Reflectin' – A moody “Duane Eddy-esque” guitar intro that keeps going through this instrumental that should keep the strollers happy.

Don't Weep My Love – A mid paced pop rock song in a style typical of many recordings from the early 60s. Nice vocals from Darrel.

The Amazon Stroll – Darrel adopts a harder tone with his vocals on this track which reminds me a bit of the songs of Johnny Kidd and The Pirates.

Need You So – A solid back beat, a moody vocal and nifty finger work from Darrel on this mid-paced rocker.

That's Me – The final track is a lively tune fit to bop to. The guitar break is amazing!

Summary

This is an excellent CD that should appeal to rockabilly and rock and roll fans. It’s a pity that Tony never got to hear his compositions being played so well by Darrel.

Recommendation

This deserves a place in any rock and roll CD collection so get a copy now.

Links to Social Media

Reviewed By Jailhouse John Alexander

Track List

1. Come Back

2. It's All Still Foreign To Me

3. Waitin' For The Phone

4. I'm So Shy

5. I'll Forgive Her Anything

6. Shadow Of The Thunderbird

7. In The Beginning