City To City - GERRY RAFFERTY****

The Ark/Baker Street/Right Down The Line/City To City/Stealin' Time/Matttie's Rag/Whatever's Written In Your Heart/Home & Dry/Island/Waiting For The Day

City To City was the debut album from singer songwriter Gerry Rafferty, who a few years earlier enjoyed a top ten hit with Stealers Wheel. The excellent Baker Street was one of the best remembered songs from the late 1970s, reaching the top three in both the US and UK. (US:1 UK:6)

“I bought this for Baker Street I mean who didn't? Everything about that song is fantastic but I ended up liking a few of the other tunes. There is something very warm about Gerry's vocals and he was easily one of the finest songwriters of his generation.”

“Upon listening to this album it quickly becomes apparent that Rafferty has an excellent ear for melody. He appears to effortlessly turn his hand to whatever style he deems fit. This makes for an interesting listen as the album has many styles from folk to swing, all tied down by his melodic talent.”

“The arrangements and musicianship are simply stunning. There’s no doubt Rafferty was a real talent, albeit an erratic one and, despite some of the songs being a little too lengthy for their own good (particularly the closing duo), it’s a really good record.”

“This one has the classic Baker Street, about the restless person who desires to settle down but doesn't have the discipline to do so. It features blistering solos in saxophone and guitar, and Rafferty's laid-back vocal. The other hit was Right Down The Line a low-key standard issue love song.”

“Oldies radio stations have almost made the world tired of Baker Street, even though it has always been a great song. Right Down The Line may be a bit too sentimental for some people, although I loved it as a kid and still do. But what really sells this one is that all the songs are good, with great melodies, diverse lyrics and terrific arrangements. The styles vary quite a bit, all held together by Rafferty's voice, one of the most unique of the seventies, and the focus on the music as a whole rather than some star's instrument.”

“City To City was one of the best collections of music to come across to the States during the late 70s. Gerry Rafferty has a super smooth voice and is a great songwriter surrounded by great musicians.”