At first listen, his latest album (produced by Mark Knopfler in his London studio) comes across as yet another strong suite of songs, with well turned out melodies and meaningful lyrics. Fine in so far as it goes. But there is more, as Kennedy’s increasingly raw, lived-in vocals and the sparse no-nonsense backing, lend this collection a greater-than-the sum-of-its-parts quality that improves with every listen. From the lilting country waltz of ‘Not A Day Goes By’ to the Dylanesque title-track and the hopeful sentiments in ‘Jimmy Sanchez’ – inspired by the youngest of the rescued Chilean miners – Kennedy’s approach blends country, folk and Irish traditional textures with seamless skill. Elsewhere, ‘Maybe I Will’ is the kind of Latin-tinged ballad with which The Mavericks’ Raul Malo would probably score a huge hit. In Kennedy’s hands it’s an understated gem which sums up this thoroughly satisfying release