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WALTER HOLLAND_Storyteller Part I_COVER.
WALTER HOLLAND
Storyteller: Part I
(2019 - Coriolis Records - USA)

https://walterholland.bandcamp.com/album/storyteller-part-1

A completely tender folk album from British, Irish, and Scottish traditionals, very far from Walter's previous output of electronic and experimental genre music, from his Amber Route days or former solos, except for 'Ride On', which uses transfixing synthesizers to give lush liquid background to Walter's almost Robert Fisher (Willard Grant Conspiracy) vocals. This is a beautiful, often haunting recording that soothes and calms the soul. It feels like the songs were in Holland most of his life. Covering quite a few classic writers, some of Robert Burns poetry is set to music, along with words by Barry Moore, songs by Ralph McTell, and others. Some original tunes are also included to great meld. Along with Steve Leonard on keyboards, guitars, vocals, synthesizers, and some creative contraptions of hard to figure out names/ Walter Holland performs vocals, guitars, bass guitar, keyboards, digital and analog synthesizers, and also some of those creative contraptions of hard to figure out names. Guesting is Jon Camp (Renaissance & Roy Wood) on bass/ Nicole Falzone on drums, and Ol' Black Howie on backing vocals. The music is produced and mixed by Holland and Leonard. Released on March 9, 2019.

The cover art is 'The Boyhood of Raleigh' (1870) by Sir John Everett Millais (1828-1896). I had no idea what to think of the music beforehand, as I was not aware of the release until now. Fact is, I would have never guessed the style from knowing the history of Walter Holland, but this is fantastic! Especially since it has been 30 years since his last release. If anyone has heard Jon English & Mario Millo ‎– 'Against The Wind', then you can count on the last cut on 'Storyteller: Part I' titled 'If I Were A Blackbird' being a modified version of 'Six Ribbons' off the OST 'Against The Wind' album. A song I could never get out of my head. Gorgeous!  

So we have this sentimental type set of songs, all done with such care and gentleness. As if a departing message, but there is information that Holland is working on a Part II, so I am certain that cannot be missed. Based on the elegance of these treasures, it is hard not to listen to it over and over. Need some tranquility in your life? Then this is your album. The physical disc comes with nice booklet, fold out digipak, and details about the songs, and even those creative contraptions that both Walter and Steve play. Thank you for contacting me about this Walter. This CD is forever in my collection now. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

   ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 3 - 8 - 2020

  
AQUA FRAGILE_Moving Fragments_COVER.jpg

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BIG BEAUTIFUL NOISE
 

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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