TALES FROM THE FOUR SEASONS

"Tales from the Four Seasons" is, at least to my knowledge, the début effort by UK-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Flood. An artist living in what was once the heartland of progressive rock, interestingly enough signed by a Canadian record label for this production.

Musically we're dealing with a creation that is a bit on the sideline of progressive rock though, at least if we're thinking about this genre of music from a traditional point of view. For starters there are few aspects of this musical exploration that can easily be defined as rock, instead I suspect that classical symphonic and chamber music may have inspired the composer on this occasion. Elements of these stylistic expressions are at least found throughout here, blended with folk music, some jazz-inspired tendencies in the rhythm department and what might be a nod or two in the direction of older musical heritages as well, of the sort one can argue about for hours if belonging to the folk tradition or the ancient classical heritage.

All four compositions comes across as contemplative in nature, works of art made to inspire the mind to reflection and the soul to flights of fancy. Music that inspires in a subtle and non-invasive manner. Slow, wandering acoustic guitar and piano themes are dominant aspects throughout, strings and reeds cater for most of the symphonic backdrops and soloing, while the organ is sparingly used and lush synths even more so. Bass and drums gets to underscore on occasion as well, but most themes are constructed without a place for this distinct rhythmic foundation.

And while all compositions are fairly straightforward affairs they are also made with a great deal of sophistication. The emphasis on mood and melody and the often subdued atmospheres explored are constructed in a subtle but elaborate manner. Multilayered textures are utilized to good effect even in the mellower parts of this album, and the more sparsely populated segments will often evolve to richer grounds if not contrasting a previous or forthcoming passage of this sort.

As the album name and track name implies, we're taken on a musical journey lasting for one whole year on this occasion. Which is pretty well executed too. And while I didn't find all aspects of the compositions to represent my expectations and experiences of the four different seasons represented musically, this is to be expected. Mainly because I live in a country where the differences between the seasons are much more extreme than what one might experience in the UK, but also because one person's view rarely will correspond with those held by others on this as so many other subjects.

Overall I find "Tales from the Four Seasons" to be a pleasant affair, and well worth examining both by those with a soft spot from the lighter side of symphonic progressive rock but also by those who are unknown to this genre but who do find pleasure in both classical symphonic as well as folk music. And while not a classic case of the awe-inspiring production heralding universal acclaim, this is a CD that will find it's way into the hearts and souls of many people. In addition, this is a good example of an album with a timeless mood and atmosphere. 20 years from now these compositions will sound just as modern - or not - as they do today.