RETURN TO MINGULAY

First and foremost the disclaimer. I am not a musicain, reviewer(at the level of some other fine folks on PA). I am a listener, listener of prog rock. Now that being said I just finished up Oceans 5 Return to Mingulay. Now hearing tidbits of it on facebook and other sources I was mildly impressed from those small samplings. Oceans 5 consists of Andy John Bradford Vocals and 12 string acoustic guitar, the incomparable Colin Tench on Guitars (CORVUS STONE, BUNCHAKEZE, THE MINSTREL'S GHOST), Stef Flaming on Bass (Murky Red), Victor Tassone on Drums (Unified Past) and last but certainly not least Marco Chiappini on keyboards (THE MINSTREL'S GHOST & GANDALF's PROJECT). Also note Lorelei McBroom (Great Gig In The Sky)on 6000 Friends. Andres Guazzelli also was involved with as well on 2 tracks. When I listen to a cd I listen one track at a time, multiple times to form my opinion. this is my method of madness. Then the whole thing in its entirety for the flow. This time was a bit odd considering I was actually having a chat with Colin during this process. Now its one thing to hear a song and to think yeah I do like this but one thing that has always evaded me were the lyrics without the music. Thanks to Colin I was able to read thru and listen again knowing the 2nd time I read the "story" forehand. This cd is nothing like the bits I have listened as noted above. It is much better then I had anticipated. The Mingulay Boatsong has a great opening with the thunder and the gulls, and the softly entering vocals of Andy. Colins guitar works are as anyone fan of his would expect. He is a genius IMO on the tool of his trade. This track reminds me of a church I used to live near. An all black church where you could here them singing a block away. This song has that ability to get one to sing along. The Whitby Smugglers Song is a country flair type track. I may be crazy but at times I hear similarities of Rafferty in this track. Its what I hear and may or may not reflect others opinions. Empty Hands is a curious one for me. Its more rockish then the prior tracks altho still leans on the intent of a folk song. I find it to be a sad song actually about a gal who just isnt worthy of people passing her by.. Five O"clock lIne is one of my favs on the cd. Subtle keyboards is the ingredient that pulls this together along with Colins guitar work. All about the past and the thoughts that one should/would invoke while listening to this track. Invictus the captain of my soul is another track which has me a bit perplexed. Is it folky or more of a celtic track? That being said it does get my toes a tapping. Sails off the bay is another fav on this cd.. it has the longest bit of instrumentation that any of the tracks. this is something i always look forward to in any song. Dancing With the Rhythm of the Shore starts of very funky, something from..hmm not sure maybe a zappa track? again maybe im just crazy but it does have a funky start to it but ends up going off in the same direction as the cd is meant to...folk. 6000 Friends is a song iI can personally relate to. Colin knows the reason/story behind this statement. the fact that the song is true to its words is really disheartening. That being said this track has "The Great Gig In The Sky" gal Ms McBroom which adds an element of stardom for this track. Some things ,like wine get better with age as does MS McBroom. Which now leads us to Fly Away my favorite track on the entire cd. This track brings the entire cd together. a great choice to end the cd with as iI find it to be the STRONGEST of them all. vocals,guiater keys bass it all works in such a way it makes you wanna brutz. (Brutz pa dutch for shedding a tear). In the end I find this cd is very worthy of EVERYONE adding it to their collection. It has reminded me of many things,Rafferty at some point the Byrds and Andy Powell on the latest Wishbone ash cd track Elegant Stealth.

This is my view on this cd,like it or not it belongs to my feelings and my ears. I do not put things down that are to kiss anyone's behind or to pump up egos. If i dont like something take my word I am very vocal about it. This I do Like very much. So I will do my best to promote this outstanding effort by a group of misfits. Anything to do with Colin Tench has MISFIT written all over it. No Offense Colin and mates. This cd is imo not prog as we know prog,or as I know prog but it balances prog with folk maybe a bit of country like a seesaw perfectly balanced in the center!!!! NOTE..I AM A TERRIBLE TYPER AND HAVE NO REASON TO LEARN HOW TO TYPE BETTER AND MAKE THE NEEDED ADJUSTMENTS SINCE IT WAS WRITTEN IN NOTE PAD AND TOO MUCH WORK TO GO BACK AND FIX!!!! LOL