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ANDY WHITE_Time is a Buffalo in the Art
ANDY WHITE
Time Is A Buffalo In The Art Of War
(2019 - Floating World  - UK)

https://andywhiteireland.bandcamp.com/

Another jewel drawer of songs from the prolific and forever talented (artist, songwriter, singer, great thinker) Mr. Andy White. Born in Belfast Ireland, he has created well over a dozen solos and this 2019 release is (his 14th studio recording) what some may think of as a part two of his previous album 'The Guilty & The Innocent' (2017). What you can be sure of is this is more gems that range from the most tasteful elements of rock, pop, and ballad, with the voice of Andy at the helm. Rod McVey comes back into the fold (he was part of White's debut album 'Rave On' back in 1986).

I began collecting White's albums back in the 1980's and was drawn in by his collaboration with Liam O Maonlai (lead singer and multi-instrumentalist from Hothouse Flowers), and Tim Finn (Split Enz, Crowded House, Finn Bros, and solo) in a band called ALT. His style has always reminded me somewhat of Richard Thompson's, with the ability to smoothly go from rock n' roll, to attention getting ballads. He has the same skill level with the songwriting and variety, which he can toss in at a moments notice. He certainly has something important to say each time as well. I met him in Seattle when he brought his then band to play live at a small tavern downtown. It was then I realized how nice a person he was, and how polite and respectful he was to the opening act and their musicians.

'Time Is A Buffalo In The Art Of War' (a title that came in a dream Andy had) opens up with a silky forward moving classic, that instantly has you wanting to either dance or clap your hands (or jump up and get on your instrument and play along). A very Tom Petty type tune. However, the 2nd track ('The Shit Hits The Fan') is a beautiful slow anthem-like ballad, that touches the heart and brings a tear. I am positive that John Lennon would be proud of this. The credits on this record are : Andy White - vocals, guitars, basses/ Rod McVey - piano, Hammond organ, clavinet, accordion, saxophone/ Jonathan Dreyfus - strings/ Sebastian White (Andy's son) - drums/ with special guests: Kelly O'Donohue - brass on Last Train/ and Renn Picard - saxophone on Armageddon #4 and Everyone's Gone to France. Recorded and produced by Andy White/ mixed and mastered by Simon Polinski/ and design by Sebastian White.

Andy has always been a great writer, in both music and lyrics, which obviously translates into fine story telling. Along with that, he brings with him decades of influences, that may present themselves at any time. On 'One In A Million' (track #4) it brings to mind some of what Robbie Robertson  (The Band, solo) did in his early solo days. His talent goes high into that plateau where artists like McCartney, Lennon, Tim and Neil Finn, and all those classic savants existed. His music really shines through the same as those better composers. With a perfect balance of sentimental ballads and happy rhythmic tunes that go from the similar style and sound of Dire Straights ('Friday Night' - track #5) or Bob Dylan ('Armageddon #4' - track #8), it is all Andy White, and has a flawless delivery. Whether you hear remnants or echoes of other greats or not, 'Fire Engines Blue Trains and Trucks' is as deeply moving and sadly real as can be. There lies that balance I spoke of before. And again, John Lennon's face may well appear in your mind. Beautiful strings included and another tearjerker.

'Fly If You Want To' (track #7) will thrill those Crowded House fans. Each song on the album has its special place. Andy is comfortable and accomplished at so many styles, with folk, country, and blues added to the plate, and anything in between pop and rock. He moved to Australia years ago, and it appears he is better off for it. Music lovers are too. Andy describes this album as 'the big picture'. Pull up a chair and enjoy this tremendous offering. VERY RECOMMENDED.

   ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 11 - 17 - 2019
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A  magazine focused on inventive, progressive, and creative music in any genre that stands out from the rest
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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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