RETURN TO MINGULAY

Andy John Bradford's Oceans 5 project entitled Return to Mingulay is such a pleasure to ones ears. The pedigree that makes up this band is most impressive. Starting with Mr. Bradford himself on his magical 12 string and giving this project a voice. Colin Tench a wizard on the guitar who's magic can also be heard on Corvus Stone, and The Minstrel's Ghost to name a few of his numerous projects.Marco Chiapini's keyboards lay down a wonderful rhythm throughout. Marco's talents can also be heard on his other projects from Gandalf's Project and The Minstrel's Ghost. Murky Red's Bassist Stef Flemming adds his talents to this project along with Unified Past's Victor Tassone drumming backbeat. Lorelei McBroom: who's credits include working with the mighty Pink Floyd lends her voice to 6000 friends and also making an appearance to round out this project is Andres Guazzelli: on Piano and orchestration. With a merry band of talented performers merge their talents we get a special treat that is this project. I had the pleasure of hearing some of the songs prior to the release of this cd and knew I was being treated indeed.

The songs are a refreshing batch of songs that are light and like a cool sea breeze on a spring day walking on a white sandy beach. The nautical theme is evident throughout most of the tracks on the album. The Mingulay Boatsong opening with a stormy rain storm immerses one in the nautical feel and The Whitby Smugglers Song continues the whole feel of the project were two of the tracks I had the pleasure of previewing prior to the full release kick off the album and set the listeners up for what is the follow. Andy's smooth voice is such a pleasure along with Colin's fine guitarwork...the rest of the band joins in and fleshes out the songs With the Whitby Smugglers song one cold easily see a tavern full of revalers singing along with a flagon of mead raised high Empty Hands a sad song of love lost, , Five O'clock Line, Invictus The Captain of my Soul with it's wonderful bass and drumm interplay come up next and were all new to me and such a pleasure to see how the magic from the opening two tracks continues on. Next up are Sails off the Bay with it's haunting guitar solo and Dancing with Rhythm of the shore lead us to the "Big" song on the album...6000 Friends a take on this modern world and Social Networks where we are also treated by the mighty voice of Ms. McBroom. The song is such a true reflection on the world we now live in Closing out the phenomenal album is Fly Away soothing words are a fitting finale for this wonderful project