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Jackie Hayden reviews aidan's live at bewleys cd for hotpress magazine (www.hotpress.com).

Aidan's follow-up to his second studio album Waiting For The Tide To Rise is, presumably, a case of buying a little time before we recieve the next studio offering from a prolific man who divides his time and talents among several musical combos. He has a top-notch voice, and in the company of seven stirling musicians turns in a finely recorded - albeit somewhat short - live album, featuring a mere five of his mostly-charmful songs.

The French language 'Rue de Charlotte', while actually a plaintive song about Dublin, evokes the ancient memories of both James Taylor and Peter Sarstedt, but is best expierenced for the delicious vocal harmonies of Jenny Lindfors. 'Nunca Mais' is a more uptempo offering, driven by James Guilmartin's stirring percussion and again featuring attractive vocals from Lindfors, although, I'd prefer Johnny Rage's piano higher in the mix. The angry 'With Love From America' is a haunting song with a lyrical undertow that links it directly to the US' murderous policy in forign parts. 'The Waltz For The Mass Liberation of the Floating Yellow Ducks' is a harmless song with silly noises, perfect for any pre-teens in Aidan's audience. 'Sweet Dreams' is a sombre, reflective song that streaches out enough to allow Aidan and Lindfors to give their tonsils a good work-out.

And that's it. Five tracks, all over in 23 minutes. Just the ideal length to enjoy a cup of tea and a sticky bun.