Record Reviews

MATHESON, KAREN ~ THE DREAMING SEA SURVIVAL 020 ~ UK ~ Irish, Scottish & Celtic Stunning debut album from 1996 by Capercaillie frontwoman Karen Matheson. Her crystal clear voice and immense talent, combined with an excellent choice of material make this one of the best ever Celtic Rock albums. A solo album showcases her vocal range and gives her an opportunity to experiment with her many talents. The material includes both traditional Gaelic songs as well as new songs written especially for this album. A must!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GARY WRIGHT ~ THE DREAM WEAVER / THE LIGHT OF SMILES / TOUCH AND GONE / HEADIN` HOME BGO 1334 (Barcode: 5017261213341) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1975 - 1979 Released: 2018 This is a reissue of the third to sixth albums by American vocalist / keyboardist / songwriter Gary WrightFind albums by this artist, recorded after his return to the US following several years he spent in the UK. Wright was a founding member of the legendary Progressive Rock group Spooky ToothFind albums by this artist, where he was the lead singer, organ player and principal songwriter. Following the first breakup of the group Wright recorded his first two solo albums, and later re-united Spooky Tooth, which disbanded again in 1974. The four albums included here, recorded between 1975 and 1979, are newly remastered and offer an excellent sound quality. These four albums present a unique approach to Rock music, based mainly on extensive use of acoustic and electronic keyboard instruments, and the music included on the first three albums is performed entirely, except for the drum parts, using a plethora of keyboard instruments played by Wright and other keyboardists like David FosterFind albums by this artist, Bobby LyleFind albums by this artist, Peter ReilichFind albums by this artist and others. Only the last of the albums included here includes guitars and other instruments. Wright is an extraordinary songweaver and his wonderful songs are among the finest Classic Rock ever produced. Combined with his superb vocal qualities and virtuosic keyboard performances he is a true Master of the trade. His music is deeply influenced by Blues, Soul, Rhythm And Blues and Rock, which he manages to amalgamate into a completely personal songwriting style, which suits his theatrical vocal pyrotechnics ideally. Although his work with Spooky Tooth is perhaps in retrospect his most ambitious and rewarding, his solo albums offer a remarkable collection of Classic Rock, sadly almost completely forgotten today. This reissue is a splendid occasion to revisit this music for those who heard it originally at the time it was first released and for younger listeners a window of opportunity to discover true music, nothing like what passes as music today.

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 13/08/2019

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend