REVIEW: Jim Capaldi - Open Your Heart box set

Being a part of one of the most iconic bands of the 60’s and early 70’s might have overshadowed a solo career, of some however, Jim Capaldi rose above the dust of working with Steve Winwood in Traffic to score a successful solo career. Cherry Red have recently pulled out the best bits of his career with Island Records culling together all of his workings from the 70’s plus rarely seen BBC Whistle Test appearances all of which showcase Capaldi as a soulful gentle giant with the capability to pull the heartstrings of those that care to embrace his work.

Eve kicks things off with Jim sounding almost like Ronnie Lane as his wistful vocals carry the song cheerfully along whilst an organ floats around in the background before a subtle guitar solo deeply impacts the track. There are blues tunes (Love Is All You Can Try), almost samba tunes (Last Day Of Dawn), whilst Open Your Heart has a Beach Boys summer feel. Yellow Sun adds some gentle folk as an almost If Not For You chord structure delights, My Brother echoes and chimes as a stomping piano leads the charge.

Of the DVD Short Cut Draw Blood sees Jim passionately standing centre stage as the band follow his lead with the samba rock beat. When the band break it down to a slow rhythm, they almost go into free form jazz. Low Rider creeps in the viewer before a gentle rare groove vibe frees itself from the instruments being played, before the well-known Love Hurts delights the crowd as the soft rock classic spreads its wings amongst the delighted crowd. There are of course more delights amongst this 4 disc set, heralding a sorely missed unsung hero to many.

Open Your Heart can be purchased via the following link