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By Damian Liptrot  Music Reviews

There can be very few folk club habitués in these parts who have not enjoyed an evening in the company of Anthony John Clarke, and presumably his partner in life, love and entertainment, Julia Porter. AJ, to his friends, who are many, is a consummate singer, raconteur and entertainer, seemingly effortless in his ability to make an audience listen, laugh or singalong, sometimes at least two of these at the same time. As he demonstrates his superpower to make a 3-minute song last for double that, with clever wordsmithery, observations, short stories and asides, it is possible to overlook what a fine songwriter he actually is.

The 14 tracks on his Ultimate Collection redress that balance. Chosen by the man himself, re-recorded with production by another legend, being Mr Richard Digance, the songs cover all the periods of his career to date. Delivered simply, almost exclusively by just a man and his guitar, we are treated to a decidedly autobiographical series of songs, taking us through from a Belfast Childhood, the early stages of a 50 year loveship, the trials of life and the joys of family, to a retrospective covering pretty much all the above.

Though full of emotion, the songs are gently delivered with truth and honesty, rather than any maudlin’ sentiment. The same is true when wider subjects are considered. No one could have grown up in Belfast between 50’s childhood and 70s coming of age without having something to say about the experience, yet we are treated to insight, compassion and hope rather than either blame, shame or glory and ats as a welcome reminder of a more general world view rather than a blinkered coverage of a time of trouble beyond the comprehension, if not the comment, of most.

His tales can also tell of the hard or darker side of life, with compassion and understanding rather than judgement. The sad circumstances of ‘Gloria’ are made all the more personal by the repeating of a couple of lines, by way of a chorus, inviting the listener to repeat and join in, a frequent feature of AJ’s songs that underlines the messages they contain.

On the other hand, ‘Banksy’, his story of a school tormentor does not end with a heart-warming redemption, grudging forgiveness, or even a life-lesson well delivered, there is a truth about the nature of a bully that goes beyond the obvious and it deserves to be heard rather than spoiled through explanation.

Well known for his compering appearances at Fairport Convention’s Cropredy Festival, annually taking the 20,000 faithful though the musical delights on offer, a certain Dave Pegg recently pointed out that AJ is much more than their MC and this selection is the ultimate proof of that.

Available directly from his website, you may well enjoy ‘Walking On Sunday’ but listening any day of the week is also advised!