Various Artists - Dear Mr Fantasy

Recorded at London’s Camden Roundhouse in January 2007, this 20-track set captures a number of old hands paying homage to the late great percussionist/singer. Paul Weller kicks things off with a take on traffic’s Paper Sun, sitars and all – one of his three psychleaning contributions. Stevie Lange figures a handful of times too, with Lost Inside Your Love proving a powerful, soulful rocker. The Eagles’ Joe Walsh teams with Bill Wyman and Jon Lord on the bongo/Hammond-fest of Living On The Outside, while Dr Hook’s Dennis Locorriere provides a saxy/ harmonica-laden version of Elixir Of Life that’d please Joe Cocker followers. Yusuf Islam’s piano-led rendition of 40,000 Headmen is subdued, but Steve Winwood livens things up on the sun-kissed bongos of Light Up Or Leave Me Alone, and the classic title track. Gary Moore opens Disc Two with an extended blues, before Peter Capaldi captivates on Gifts Of Unknown Things, and Pete Townshend does what you’d expect on No Face No Name No Number.