Nine years ago, David Gilmour released his last solo album “Rattle That Lock” co-produced by Phil Manzanera, former guitarist of Roxy Music. And here he is back with an unexpected album, this Friday, September 6, when many thought he was about to retire.
The idea for the project came to him during lockdown, when he began sharing music and literary videos online under the name “Von Trapped Family” with his wife, children and even grandchildren. It is a family album in which his wife, the writer Polly Samson, writes bespoke lyrics for him and his daughter, the harpist Romany Gilmour, sings with him.
An album rich in emotions
There is nostalgia on this album, including in the often dark and pessimistic lyrics, evoking wars around the world, old age and fate. In the second track, “Luck and Strange” which gives its name to the album, he summons a ghost. The song is built from a jam with the band’s former organist, Rick Wright, recorded in 2007 a year before his death.
But there is also change, vitality and joy. David Gilmour decided to work with British producer Charlie Andrew, 44, best known for his work with the indie group “alt-J”. To energize his songs, the guitarist wanted someone who would take a fresh and “undeferential” look at his work.
Charlie Andrew has also brought into the project “alt-J” arranger Will Gardner, legendary American drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Tom Herbert of “Polar Bear”, keyboardist Rob Gentry and drummer Adam Betts, known as a live musician for “Goldie”. Gilmour plans to record another album in the same style soon after. He says he has finally found a team of musicians with whom he feels comfortable.