Pink Floyd guitarist and vocalist David Gilmour released “Luck and Strange,” his fifth solo album and only his third of the 21st century, on September 6, 2024. The album was co-produced by Gilmour and Charlie Andrew, who is best known for his work with UK alternative rock band Alt-J. It also features veteran players Guy Pratt on bass and Steve Gadd on drums.
In addition, Gilmour’s daughter Romany plays a significant role on the album, even taking lead vocals on “Between Two Points,” a cover of the Montgolfier Brothers’ 1999 dream pop song. As on all of Gilmour’s solo albums since the 1990s according to AllMusic, the guitarist’s wife Polly Samson serves as lyricist and direct collaborator.
The title cut of the album is built around a pre-existing 2007 jam with the late Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright.
Overall, the album would seem to offer progressive, psychedelic and blues rock fans a blend of familiar elements and fresh explorations within the progressive rock genre. Listeners who enjoy Gilmour’s signature style and want to hear a continuation of his musical journey might appreciate the complex compositions. As well as the intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics.
At the same time, the reworking of “Between Two Points” with Romany Gilmour brings the album a nostalgic touch that could connect with fans who have followed the Pink Floyd guitarist for decades. While the incorporation of electronic music elements with blues and folk might help further broaden the album’s appeal among fans of progressive rock and rock music at large.
Meanwhile, the top-notch production of the album delivers a signature clarity, impact and attention to detail. For listeners who have come to expect a high level of craftsmanship from this progressive rock legend.
After joining Pink Floyd in 1967 and replacing founder Syd Barrett as singer/guitarist, Gilmour contributed heavily to landmark albums from the band including 1973’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” and 1975’s “Wish You Were Here.”
Gilmour assumed leadership of Pink Floyd in 1987 after a contentious fallout with bassist and chief songwriter Roger Waters. After that followed a massively successful second act for the band that included several world tours and albums like 1994’s “The Division Bell.”
In addition, Gilmour has also produced and done session work for a range of acts, from Kate Bush and the Dream Academy to Paul McCartney. His successful solo career has also included chart-topping albums like 2006’s “On an Island” and 2015’s “Rattle That Lock.”
Born on March 6, 1946, Gilmour’s father was a lecturer in Zoology at Cambridge University and his mother was a teacher. As a schoolboy, he became friends with a boy who attended the same grade school, Roger Barrett, who later gained the nickname Syd.
Gilmour and Barrett became re-acquainted when they were studying at the Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology. Both were interested in music and learning to play guitar in their spare time, as was Barrett’s friend Roger Waters.
Charlie Curnow 