top of page
STRAWBS_Settlement_COVER.jpg
STRAWBS
Settlement
(2021 - Cherry Red Records/Esoteric Antenna - EU)

BUY HERE (or at most music outlets):

https://www.cherryred.co.uk/artist/strawbs/

A VERY COOL VIDEO OF JOHN FORD COMMENTS AND PERFORMANCE OF 'Each Manner Of Man':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL0Bi_iIapI

A rich and fully engaged recording that brings together early and late Strawbs sound into a beautiful mixture for both fans and newcomers. Dave Cousins (the warhorse that has been there from the beginning) is still as strong now as he was 50 years ago, and continues to give the band their one of a kind touch. The opening track holds nothing back with a statement for all times. 'Strange Times' (track #2) hands the listener one of those sad and touching ballads, perfectly fitting, lifted by Cousin's vocals, alternatively decorated by acoustic fingerpicked guitar, occasional swells of strings, and melancholy for the good heart.

The band has it all lined up right with a balance of the slow and sombre, with the upbeat but yet still softly projected tune. With 9 main songs (the album only has those 9 songs) the CD adds 3 bonus cuts that are really added songs, not remixes or live versions, and very well worth the purchase. There is always something to be said about owning the physical format and in this instance, Strawbs promote the compact disc with a prized set of extra songs. Cherish that!  The combination of the old and new is supported by early Strawbs memberJohn Ford (of Hudson-Ford fame), Blue Weaver who returned to produce and master this album, and a sincere dedication to another early member and founder, Tony Hooper who left after 'Grave New World' (1972), and sadly died in late 2020. The rest of the members are the same lineup as was on 'The Ferryman’s Curse' (the album Strawbs released in 2017) and was the last one since this new 2021 'Settlement' recording. In review, the performing musicians are Dave Cousins ( Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Electric Dulcimer), Dave Lambert (Vocals, Lead & Acoustic Guitars), Dave Bainbridge (Keyboards, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Hammond Organ), Chas Cronk (Vocals, Bass, 12-string Guitars), Tony Fernandez (Drums, Percussion), along wit guests John Ford (Bass), Cathryn Craig (Vocals), and Schalk Joubert (Bass).  

So how does this band keep putting out both relative and consistently fine music over a 50 year period?  It is a pure merger of skill, will, and creative energy that has not burned out or faded over the decades. Any fan can attest to that. With stunners like 'We Are Everyone' (track #8) a person could walk away happy with this alone. Fact is, each work has merit and will impose itself for repeat listens, endless hours of pleasure, and satisfaction that a classic band (however one wants to classify them: Folk Rock, Progressive Rock, etc) still puts out music as virile as ever. And that song is followed by another linked epic with church organ instrumental called 'Chorale'. Those bonus tracks fit as if they were customized to be there in that order ('Champion Jack', which could be from 'Grave New World' and at end has a ferocious mellotron choral powerhouse to knock your socks off - yes THAT great). A brief Latin infused ditty ('Better Days') follows for a nice sunny recess from the dramatic gorgeousness. But then 'Liberty' comes back with a sweet force, however a bit on the pop side but with hope in its tone. An end song fit for any masterpiece. Touching and full, this album keeps the flame burning bright that Strawbs are always known for. If there is a shortage of material, this does not reflect it. It does boggle the mind how they keep up the quality and drive, but this is proof in all it's glory. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 4 - 22 - 2021

 
AQUA FRAGILE_Moving Fragments_COVER.jpg

© 2023 by Name of Site. Proudly created with Wix.com

 
 
BIG BEAUTIFUL NOISE
 

A  magazine focused on inventive, progressive, and creative music in any genre that stands out from the rest
​
​
​
​
Payments of any amount (all donations, no matter how small, are truly cherished) can be sent by PAYPAL  to:
drumlee@proton.me
​
This magazine exists on kind donations and music related advertisements (although the ads are limited and in no way accepted for favors in reviews). All funds are used to pay for website, domain, and the endless hours of work that is required to keep the reviews and various information  in process. Any donation is extremely appreciated. Thank you.
​
Donate with PayPal

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


 

bottom of page