SKYE

Monarch Trail is the latest album from one of Canada's most hidden talents Ken Baird. This time Baird teams up with musical pals Dino Verginella ( bass) and Chris Lamont (drums) . Guitars were handled by John Mamone, Kelly Kereliuk and The amazing classical fret work of Steve Cochrane.

Right from the opening moment of the first track "Luminescence" we recognize the keybaord and progressive drum work of Lamont and Baird who take us back perhaps to the ending of "Further Out"....a great place to start......the end...... This may be the very best song Ken Baird has ever done with its huge wall of symphonia and pure energy pouring out. At 7:00 mins into "Luminescence" the song takes a wee twist and a huge breath orchestrated with the polysynth sounds that only Baird can do. Next up is another wonderfully symphonic track penned "Silent World" which offers some excellent soaring picturesque musical moments. I love the guitar work on this song which actually reminds me of pieces of British prog band IQ and Manfred Mann and his Electric Band.

The third track is "East of Fifty" which is a six minute catchy prog-fusion tune which nicely contrasts the symphonic prog of the first two tracks and helps usher in the final and hugely ambitious epic track "Sky Above The Sun". This song is huge!....both in composition and length! A true work of art with deep conviction and stunning musicianship. Musically this song is quite varied and impossible to categorize with its wide range of tones and colors and multi-moods. There are lush and delicate parts, then darker more aggressive bits all culminating into a spiritual and inspirational conclusion that will make you wonder about the "sky above the sun".

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