Tim Lawson: The Right Way On (Timberholme Records)

A voice from the Canadian charts, Tim Lawson is unknown - at least to me - this side of the water, but his articulate, soft-rock songs in the style of Chris Rea should find a resonance with an Irish audience. Lawson is a late convert to music. At 38 he decided he had had enough of business and it was time "to give it a go". His first album, The Quiet Canadian, proved him right eight years ago; and now with The Right Way On he hopes to spread the word over here. Given the right breaks, he has a fair chance. Although his style is not exactly cutting edge, the songs and the playing are tailor-made for mature audiences who like to mix their guitar solos with thoughtful lyrics about real subjects.