Bill Fay
Who is The Sender?

Although the career of this British singer-songwriter and pianist began back in 1967, one cannot say that Bill Fay has spent his life as a musician. After two psych-spiritual-country-folk-rock albums released between 1970 ("Bill Fay") and 1971 ("Time Of The Last Persecution"), the artist disappeared into thin air. He was off the radar for 40 (forty!) years. Forgotten by everyone and, above all, lost in the oblivion of time, we imagine, simply living like all of us. Bill Fay would return to the scene in the new century, grown up, mature, old (?!?) always intent on telling life with a gaze that only a songwriter of depth can have. Esteemed and cited by people like Nick Cave and Jeff Tweedy, in 2005 he released "Tomorrow, Tomorrow & Tomorrow" and then again in 2012 the acclaimed "Life Is People".

It seems he has developed a taste for it, and we certainly cannot but be grateful since this latest "Who is The Sender?" sails confidently towards yet another masterpiece, poetry and poeticism and piano, all with a capital "P". Let no one dare think that this is a slightly retro album, a strange semi-sage, retrieved from the back of the closet where he had been tucked away by a couple of grown rascals who coincidentally are also famous rockstars? Do not think that this is the classic album that is "cool" to mention but that no one actually listens to. Oh no, you would be mistaken, this work is terrifically from 2015, absolutely modern, an album that embraces the best of the musical experience of times gone by and the life experience of a now elderly gentleman.

"Who Is the Sender?" wonderfully and lyrically follows on from what was already developed in "Life Is People". The emotional tension is constant in the 13 tracks thanks to majestic orchestral arrangements that enhance Bill's lyrics suspended between existentialism with a strong religious character and cosmic pessimism, between spirituality and everyday mundanity. The pieces alternate between light string touches ("Who Is The Sender?"), gospel fascinations ("Bring It On Lord"), whispered voices, imposing symphonic "crescendos" ("Underneath The Sun" and "War Machine"), simple piano melodies ("How Little", goosebump-inducing), old reinterpretations from his '70s repertoire ("I Hear You Calling"), and lots and lots of piano.

It is an understated and melancholic masterpiece, musically simple and universal in content. It is a masterpiece that could rewrite your end-of-year charts. But, ultimately, to hell with all the year-end lists, "Who Is the Sender?" you can listen to, without any problem, even fifty years from now.

Best wishes (for your next fifty years).