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GARY BAMFORD
The Year That Wasn't
(2021 - self released - UK)

https://garybamford.bandcamp.com/album/the-year-that-wasnt

It is no secret that Gary Bamford has a beautiful spread of skillsets, having released 8 albums and all a superbly done collection of gorgeous ambient jazz (sometimes akin to ECM), many provocative soundtracks (many in the horror field), and the odd mix of funky avant pop/rock/alt, and aggressive out rock, to call out a few. The multi-instrumentalist, composer, and great thinker, can attack a style or flock of styles, with command as if it were his only and long time devoted corner.  Expect anything and prepare to be satisfied with all that flows from this musician's mind. 'The Year That Wasn't' is another diamond shining brightly, just waiting to be purchased for a very reasonable price, sat down with, placed on a large stereo system (or nice headphones) and taken in like a slow relaxed evening, where tensions are let go, and brains and ears are allowed to absorb the feel and atmosphere of Mr. Bamford.

He meshes his exquisite keyboard work (heavenly washes, Vangelis thick) with classical piano, electronic wizardry, quirky injections, world percussive framed parts, and aggressive out rock all to bring the listener to a reflective thought session, all in a series of eight compositions that paint vivid portraits of the isolation, the despair, uncertainty, and perhaps the hope for good outcome. All in the Covid world we all got catapulted into and still have not been let loose from. Often the music soothes, and is scored as a dream, even at times reminded me of Ryuichi Sakamoto's 'Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence' OST  (track 3 - Good Boy, Sam) but quickly yielding into a more lo-fi bedroom electronica, then moving back to the piano so touching. It is with this full spilling of Bamford's soul that is what makes his music so irresistible, so rare, and so rich in the first hand listening experience.  
 
Composed, performed, recorded, mixed and produced by Gary Bamford. He even did the artwork. Mastered by Stu Rowe. The set of songs also throws in avant slants with what might be a more let it all ride Robert Fripp and Mel Collins, and crew from 'Lizard' (one that Fripp might have tossed for unknown reasons) in the cut 'No.53'. And following that, the 'Initial Reaktions' is something Heldon fans can delight in.  'Meh' is a forceful progressive avant rock work that Poil/Ni/Pinoil (Dur et Doux label) lovers will stand up and cheer for. The final track ('Virtual Lessons') has a Canterbury feel, soaked in the electric piano talents of Mr Gary, and the knowledge of the genre, all cooked with fondness. In short, you get a variety of tracks that continue to tickle your ears, give glow to the mind, and introduce surprises, never ever letting the audience distract themselves into Smartphone/Tablet/idiot social media, or wandering from what is being served honest and earnest, with his landscape of ideas bubbling over.  Buy the physical format if you care, as this is not only a smart recording, but one that deserves all attention on board.  Check out his entire catalog if you are new to this fine artist. RECOMMENDED.  

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson  11 - 24 - 2021
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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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