If you've ever seen Jason Webley perform live, then you'll be familiar with the rousing "Drinking Song" that is a highpoint of his set. Given that possession is nine points of the law, it seemed appropriate to lay hands upon a copy of the album that featured that wondrous song.
"Counterpoint" was released way back in 2002 but there is nothing here that has dated and in 100 years from now it will not have dated either. Probably the first thing that I noticed was that there's plenty of fireside reflection on show. Upbeat songs like "Drinking Song" (of course) and the buoyant "Quite Contrary" notwithstanding, most of the album has the curious feeling of being from the pen of one much older than our Mr Webley. He shows a similar mix of sympathy and spiritual redemption to that which infuses the work of Tom Waits and he clearly finds beauty where others would find only ugliness. What could easily have become downbeat and depressing ends up being hopeful and uplifting - witness the eloquent grace of "It's Not Time To Go Yet" for an example.
Compared to the majority of modern albums, this album sounds very restrained and distant. Don't be deceived though, as, like all good things, it rewards the time taken to appreciate it properly. So fire up that expensive hi-fi, pour yourself a man-sized malt and prepare to be enveloped in shadows and sunlight.