Bap Kennedy
The Sailor's Revenge

Although he is certainly not counted among the most well-known names in the musical universe, Martin "Bap" Kennedy can boast a modest number of prestigious collaborations, five albums with Energy Orchard, and eight as a solo artist. Bap Kennedy's collaborations have always been of a certain level, just think of the one with Van Morrison back when he was the guitarist and main songwriter for Energy Orchard. His solo career also started with a collaboration: the one with Steve Earle, who would soon describe him as "The best songwriter I ever heard."

The collaboration that surely stood out the most, however, is the one with Mark Knopfler, which resulted in "The Sailor's Revenge." This latest album is certainly his best record and manages to impress with a series of well-crafted arrangements and carefully studied lyrics. The sound of the instruments is calm but particularly clear, especially Knopfler's guitar, which merges excellently with the singer's voice, characterizing the album with a nostalgic and Irish atmosphere. The opening track, "Shimnavale," is a decidedly folk and energetic piece, representing a perfect start for this album that leads the singer to rediscover the sound of his homeland. Even more Celtic and equally fascinating is certainly the second track: "Not a Day Goes By." The record takes a more country turn with "Please Return to Jesus," and in "Jimmy Sanchez," one can grasp the genuine complexity of the lyrics.

Surely, given the genre, it is an album not appreciated by everyone, but it is undeniably an excellent album. If nothing else, the best by this artist.