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Keyboards player Martin Orford (IQ/Jadis/John Wetton)
bows out of the music industry with this his second solo album.
Not a lover of downloading or modern culture this album is
about doing things and in this case, making music, the old
way. He is joined by a strong set of guest musicians including
Asia's John Wetton, John Mitchell- (It Bites/Kino/Frost) Steve
Thorne, Gary Chandler of Jadis and Spock's Beard members Nick
D'Virgilio and Dave Meros. The press release and sleeve notes
both state the music is unashamedly retro and if you like
any of the band's and artists Martin Orford has worked with
through the years you will love this album and the wonderful
music it contains.***
Hard to pick highlights as there are no filler songs
on here but for Asia/John Wetton fans 'Take It To The Sun'
will delight your ears. John Mitchell adds some tasty guitar
solos on this one as well. Wetton also sings lead vocal on
the album's heaviest song 'The Time And The Season' and if
the lead guitars on here don't have you air guitaring you
must be clinically dead.***
The title track is the best song Kansas never recorded!
From the keys/acoustic guitar intro through to the fiddle
solos from respected folk musician Colm Murphy it reminds
the listener of 70's Kansas in all their pomp and glory, plus
add in some flute for a Tull feel - superb. Steve Thorne takes
lead vocals on 'Out In The Darkness', which could easily have
come off any of his very enjoyable solo albums. The reflective
'Endgame' finishes the album off nicely.***
Excellent musicianship, strong songs and melodies - a
real treat for fans of classic prog rock, Asia and UK prog
bands like IQ, early Marillion, Credo, Jadis etc. The only
downside is this is Martin Orford's swansong but what a way
to go out in! *****
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