Singer-songwriter and Dire Straits founder. In the tradition of singer songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman and Van Morrison, "No pyrotechnics. No car chases. Just great songs... Dire Straits without the baggage" - Gavin Report.

David Knopfler, founder of the great Dire Straits has finally released his eighth solo album. Always a literate songwriter, David Knopfler manages to put thought-provoking and insightful lyrics to beautiful, acoustic music. The music (nearly 59 minutes worth) on "Wishbones" lives up to the stratospheric standard set on 1993's brilliant "The Giver" and the (until now) unprecedented magnificence of David Knopfler's last album, 1994's "Small Mercies" (Note: if you can find either of these cds, do yourself a favor and buy them-you won't be disappointed).

The instrumentation on this album is much like the last two releases (by far his best in my estimation; although 1983's "Release" comes close)-and that's a good thing. Knopfler sings (and his voice continues to get better with age), plays piano (which is front and center), guitars, vibes, and mandolin. Back is the multi-talented Harry Bogdanovs on guitars, electric piano, banjo, bass (additional), and mandolin. Alan Clark shines on Hammond and Chris Rea adds his talent to the lead track, "A Clear Day (St Swithun's Day)"-a reference to the weather saint and just one example of Knopfler's literate songwriting skills. Eddi Reader contribues vocals for the album's weakest track (but by no means a weak track in and of itself), John Martyn's "May You Never" (the only track Knopfler didn't write although he co-wrote a couple tracks with Bogdanovs).

Highlights include the Celtic-infected "Jericho", the brilliant "A Clear Day" (a great single if ever there's been one), the moving, haunting, jazzy "The Bones", the thought-provoking "If God Could Make the Angels", and my personal favorite, the poignant "The Snowscape Paperweight Girl". The bonus tracks (there are two) are no throwaways either. "Shadowlands" is a rollicking tune reminiscent of 'Double Dealing' from 1985's "Behind the Lines" and the acoustic version of "A Clear Day" is a worthy contrast to the electric version.

This is an album full of beautiful melodies, brilliant lyricism, and showcases a tight band playing for the love of music. Music doesn't get much better than this. Very Highly Recommended.

I still don't understand why people have this tendency to confuse David Knopfler with his elder brother Mark. David has always been my favourite kind of artist and with the relese of Wishbones he shines brighter than ever. For those of you who haven't listened to other David Knopfler's CD's this is a great kick-off. The atmosphere of the album is Acoustic and unplugged style except for the first single 'St. Swithun's Day' and the bonus track, 'Shadowlands'. Coproduced by his old friend Harry Bagdanovs, this is a true work of art so rarely seen of musicians these days. St. Swithun's Day is performed with Chris Rea whereas Eddi Reader (Fairport Convention lead singer) joins him on May You Never. David shines on guitars and Piano and his lyrical magic is still thrilling. This is a perfect follower to the two previously released CD's : 'The Giver' and 'Small Mercies'. Just turn the lights off and enjoy the tranquility and honesty of David Knopfler's music. But please don't think of Mark Knoplfer when you are listening to this CD. Thank you David for such a strong and perfect CD.