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WALTER HOLLAND_Storyteller Part II_COVER
WALTER HOLLAND
Storyteller: Part II
(2020 - Coriolis Records - USA)

https://walterholland.bandcamp.com/album/storyteller-part-ii

I wondered if Walter's part two of his Storyteller release would be as beautifully landscaped as the first. It took one listen and the answer is YES INDEED! In fact, it is even more rich with charming laments, ballads that often bring a tear, and give any folk fan (or even rock fan) a pause for the way life was, could be again, and SHOULD BE.  It is clear that Holland has been reaching deep down into his soul and producing a set of tunes that beg to make a grown man or woman cry. Cry for peace, a simple way of life that once was possible. So perhaps just listening will bring the same minutes of pleasure it did for me. And I listened multiple times to get the repeated result. Ah yes.

I highly suggest everyone buy the compact disc with a booklet that features the lyrics, shows the original author, and year it was composed. They range from 1150 to 1995, and include artists like Ralph McTell, David Bowie, Robert Tannahill, Alan Cunningham, Lenard Cohen ( a sweet version of 'Hallelujah'), and much of it just passed down as traditional folk. Performing the songs in spectacular fashion are Walter Holland (doing the deep soothing vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, and many hard to describe pieces of equipment), along with guests Steve Leonard (guitars. keyboards, vocals, and also many abstract pieces of equipment), Jon Camp - yes, rejoining the gathering on bass (Renaissance man, on 3 tracks), Nicole Falzone (drums) and Ol' Black Howie on backing vocals for 3 tracks as well).  

Walter has quite a resume of achievements. He is a painter, professor, engineer, and of course composer. He has many credits ranging from being a part of Dali: The Endless Enigma, and has contributed tracks to Gayle Ellett's 'Djam Karet', Black Tape for A Blue Girl (on Projekt label), to mention a few. His ascension to this liquid narcotic loveliness is only icing on the cake to his fans, and most assuredly new listeners. For the folk lover, there can be no denying how precious both his Storyteller albums are. It begins with a very welcoming tune from Ralph McTell 'Peppers and Tomatoes' and ends with David Bowie's 'The Bewlay Bothers'(1971). What is in between will keep you drawn to the magic. I see room for a Storyteller Part III, less Holland be done. I certainly wish for more. I can never get enough of haunting ballads like 'Black is the Colour' (a traditional piece from 1916, from Scotland), 'Three Ravens' (a traditional from 1611), and 'Emmanuel' (another traditional from 1150). Music with esteem, purpose, and importance for the 21st Century. RECOMMENDED.

©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 12 - 31 - 2020

 
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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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