I’m not averse to a bit of categorisation so straight away I am going to put Jim Byrne’s album into the comfort food category as it is one of the mellowest album that I have heard and is the aural equivalent of a nice cup of tea and an empire biscuit.
Now, you might be thinking that is something of an insult but actually it isn’t for there are undoubtedly many people out there who seek more from their music than a sustained aural assault. Accordingly, “Every Day Is a Sunshine” is best described as an album that sneaks up on you so it is ready just when you need it. Feeling blue? Try the sunshine and Americana in “Tell Me You Love Me Again” and you’ll soon be smiling. Need some subtle syncopation? “Down By The Wildwood” fits that bill (and enjoy the tasteful contribution of Kurt Baumer’s gypsy flavoured fiddle while you are at it). Fancy some a full on folk meets country hoe down? The curiously named “Beneath These Scottish Skies” was made just for you.
So there you have it – an album that will make many people happy without ever appearing to be trying to do just that. When you think about it, that’s quite a cunning plan and I - grudgingly - have to admit that I liked this album.