Clay Pipe Vinyl & CDs

Review: David Boulter's new album, St Ann's, released by Clay Pipe, is a heartfelt homage to his childhood on the St Ann's council estate in Nottingham. The record seamlessly blends personal nostalgia with broader historical narratives of urban renewal in 1960s and 70s Britain. Boulter's subtle use of guitar, double bass, vibraphone, tenor recorder, and field recordings conjures vivid imagery of the estate's transformation - from the crumbling, monochrome Victorian streets to the vibrant, new Radburn-style estate. Tracks such as 'Plantagenet Street In The Morning,' 'Donkey Hill,' and 'Pebble Dash and Green Grass' are enriched by Dan McKinna's acoustic and electric bass, while Veronika Boulterova's vocals and tenor recorder add depth to 'Blue Bell Hill' and 'Along the St Ann's Well Road.' St Ann's is a moving tribute to a community and Boulter's ability to translate complex emotions and memories into compelling music. It stands as a celebration of a place that remains an indelible part of his identity.