A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

A Midsummernight's Dream is actually the most reviewed and rated Red Jasper album on this site with 7 (!) ratings and 4 reviews. So it's their magnum opus I guess. No, I'm really being sarcastic here. I mean, how can this be ? When I bought this album halfway the nineties I thought it was a high quality album, not 100% my cup of tea since I have never been and will never be a true prog folk lover but still, this is really good !

Sonnet I is a quiet, ballad-like opener setting the listener on the wrong foot: 2,75*.

Virtual Reality is much more up tempo and more inspired than previous. But also this song isn't actually what I mean when I say high quality. Yet very good. 3,5*.

Berkana is the second ballad but in my opinion more beautiful than the overture. The folky mandolin tune is really nice here. 3,25*.

Dreamscape was always the eye-catcher of the album to me because of it's length. They are to date my most favourite tracks of any album but also 15 years ago I had that aberrance. Somehow I'm drawn to longer tracks, they intrigue me. And also in this case (as so often) it appears to be the stand out track. Great composition with again nice mandolin, excellent flute passages and many tempo changes. Davey Dodds proves to be a great multi instrumental musician. 3,75*.

Jean's Tune is totally dominated by the mandolin making this album a true folk party. Nice tune this instrumental track. 3,25*.

Invitation to a Dance is the second highlight of this album with the reappearing flute (or tin whistle rather) excelling once again but besides that this is as a composition another very good track. Also the electric guitar is doing a great job at the end. 3,5*.

Treasure Hunt is more of a story telling folk track although the instrumental part after 2,5 minutes shouldn't be ignored here. Really uplifting I have to say. 3,5 *.

Sonnet II is the same sort of song as the opener, also quiet though slightly more impressive. 3*.

Okay, this isn't a masterpiece but at least it's very good progressive folk music. And it shouldn't be overlooked as it has been so far. Recommended. 3 stars (3,4).