Reviewed by Tony Cummings

I've only recently discovered Mr Leighfield, from Upton-upon-Severn, which considering Luke has released three albums on his own Got Got Need Records is an admission of ignorance. Luke's style is lilting piano pop but if that conjures up thoughts of Ben Folds that doesn't begin to do it. His style is idiosyncratic, refreshingly original and he demonstrates some clever arrangements - take for instance the string section which intersperse "I Won't Look Back" or the bursts of rock guitars on "60,000 Miles". Probably my favourite musical moment is the delightful trombone solo on "If You So Much As Smile" which also happens to be one of the best falling-apart-because-she's-leaving songs I've heard for quite a while. Luke's Christian faith is referenced in the song "When You've Reached Your Limit" and overall one is left with the impression of a top-rate songsmith able to convey sadness and joy with considerable skill. Luke is playing at Greenbelt this year and CR scribes will definitely be in the audience.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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