Music review: Mark Knopfler, Tracker

Tracker employs Celtic undertones.

Mark Knopfler
Tracker (Rock)
Rating: 4 stars

There are very few so-called songwriters who use the medium to tell a story. Top of the list of those who do is Mark Knopfler.

On first listening Knopfler's records sound deceptively simple. Sure, his formula is straightforward: tell a story, throw in a few licks of understated guitar, and Bob's your uncle. Deceptive? Yes it is.

On Tracker Knopfler uses a similar approach to the one he has applied to a clutch of first-class albums over the past decade or so. Add in his longtime collaborator Guy Fletcher, and his trusty studio band, a notebook full of new stories to tell, and we're away on another journey.

Again Tracker employs Celtic undertones through the accompaniment of fiddle, cittern, whistle and wooden flute. There are also brilliant touches on sax and trumpet, even ukelele and washboard. In keeping with Knopfler's style the music is simple but subtle and with depth.

It's tempting to assume that there's an autobiographical aspect to the songs, but I think that's the secret to his writing.

Ahead of everything else he's just a brilliant storyteller who knows how to make every story stand out by the light and shade of his guitar playing, and the quality of the musicianship of his studio band.

On Tracker Mark Knopfler tells compelling stories about ordinary people. Each song is uniquely framed and delivered.