Releases
Mockingbird
'Mockingbird' is the second album from David Ogilvy, following on from the acclaimed 'Like it is'. The songwriting is as powerful as ever and the arrangements vary from just guitar and voice, to sophisticated strings and brass arrangements. The strong individual feel is also evident, with Celtic, American and even Latin influences threading through the work. This is acoustic music the way it should be: simple, direct, well played and moving. If you liked 'Like is is' you will love 'Mockingbird'
Reviews
MOJO ***
The gaps between genres in this compartmentalised business make for a hard fall, although it was throat problems, not broken bones, that delayed the follow up to half American, half Scottish, London based Ogilvy's acclaimed debut 'Like it is'. Understandably, being a man as likely to play pedal steel line dancing gigs in Falkirk as solo vocal-guitar shows in the States, this is mix of folk- the muted, British, pastoral kind, and American, particularly in its sense of space and movement. 'Tomorrow is a long Time' welds elements of Rod Stewart's version to serenely weary pedal steel, 'James' evokes rattlesnakes in Avalon. The jazz-folk of 'Miller's Farm' sounds like an American Nick Drake, the Lovely 'Lay it all Down' in fact, sounds like a Drake who made it into middle age, his depression softening to wistfulness. There are a couple of moments when it doesn't work, but the good stuff more than compensates.
NETRHYTMS
'Though its recording was interrupted by no less than eight throat operations, the Scottish-American singer-songwriter's sophomore album has arrived in fine fettle. His honey-smoke vocals bring sounding even more akin to Martin Stephenson than he did on his debut, with hints of Jackson C Frank, John Martyn and Martyn Joseph also peeking through, the mood remains much the same intoxicating minor key leafy Celtic folk meets Southern back-porch blues.
As before, he includes a couple of classy covers in the shape of Townes Van Zandt's White Freight Liner Blues and, complementing the song's and his own Dylan influence, Bob's own Tomorrow Is A Long Time.
But, effortlessly played and sung, it's his own material that shines brightest. Listen to the quiet sensuality of Lay It All Down (on which he sounds like God's answer to Chris Rea) or the dappled lazing haze of Singing Back on which you can almost imagine him trailing his hand in the river as he wrote it. Likewise Miller's Farm, from whence comes the album title, is a wonderful marriage of Nick Drake and John Steinbeck.
Unveiling his countrier side on Portmahomack and Half Asleep, showing Mark Knopfler how to do smoky blues with Downtown and getting on his feet for Ain't No Reason's slap lurch r&b complete with brass flourishes from Annie Whitehead and Paul Jayasingha while superbly showcasing his accomplished performance on classical acoustic guitar and pedal steel on the meditatively moody instrumental Blues For Loren, there's not a weak moment here. 'Tell me how long can a man wait for his time?', he sings. With this album, surely it is already here.'
UNCUT ***
'The sophomore effort from Scottish /American songsmith David Ogilvy is more subtly shaded, treading a fine line between the fluid intimacy of Nick Drake and the cracked country blues of Townes Van Zandt. Ogilvy's multi instrumental prowess is extraordinary - equally adept at pedal steel, dobro, ukelele and mandolin.'
The Sunday Post
'Scots-American singer songwriter has come up with an enjoyable follow up to his debut in 'Mockingbird'. His heritage is reflected in the acoustic blend of Scots traditional folk sounds and Nashville strings to make a laid back, easy listening joy with hints of Bob Dylan. It's out on the Thumbpick Records label.'
Steve Ward of the Classic Rock Society
'Mockingbird is the second album from Scottish/American singer songwriter David Ogilvy and is a collection of gentle folk based songs many with a decidedly Dylanesque feel with more than a hint of Gordon Lightfoot in the vocals.
The songs are mainly Ogilvy originals but a Dylan cover is perhaps the best indication of where his influences lie although the fusion of his dual heritage offers more than enough originality and makes for a highly enjoyable album.'
Euro Americana chart #1
The Euro Americana Chart is compiled by DJs, journalists, retailers, promotors and other people who are interested in Americana music from all over Europe. David Ogilvy's "Mockingbird" reached the Number 1 spot in December 2004.
David Sinclair of The Times
'David Ogilvy is the J. J. Cale of West London. The Scottish-American singeršs second album, Mockingbird (Thumbpick Records), has that lovely Southern back-porch feel, where songs of reminiscence and regret are steeped in the forgotten art of understatement. "Tell me how long can a man wait for his time?" he sings in a husky mid-Atlantic burr on Portmahomack as banjo and pedal steel glide wistfully behind. If Ogilvy has waited longer than most, it is not for want of a good song in his heart.'
Guitarist Magazine ****
'Beautiful acoustic songs with Celtic soul. Crafted with care and dedication. David Ogilvy's 'Mockingbird' is an enveloping listening experience. The soft spoken vocals and gentle guitar playing are like a lullaby peppered with sparkling acoustic guitar sounds, minimal percussion and lush strings. Ogilvy's Scots/USA roots shine through with his blending of traditional and American folk instruments (fiddle, blues harp, mandolin and pedal steel guitar) and the pensive nature of the tunes and slow pace make this record the perfect soundtrack to some Sunday afternoon thinking time. If you like Robbie McIntosh, you'll love David Ogilvy.'
Standout tracks: Lay it all down, The Drifter, Blues for Lorca