THE BIRTHRIGHT CIRCLE

Unlike most of the reviews on the 1st "Zen R&R" album that were kind of down on the artist, I gave it 5 stars and a great review, I liked it so much I had to get this one too, and I was happily surprised again, why there are only 4 rating and zero reviews for this album I have no idea. If you like Genesis, Yes & Camel there is a chance you would like this one too!

On his second album, composer and multi instrumentalist Jonathan Saunders as "Zen Rock and Roll" evokes elements of old-school (mainly British) progressive rock, world music and even 19th and 20th century art music. Featuring only four songs (three of them shorter than any track that appeared on Zen Rock and Roll's 2002 debut, End of the Age), "The Birthright Circle" runs the gamut from majestic symphonic rock on opener "Thanatos" to melancholy exploration a la classic Genesis and Yes on the 23-minute closing epic "Circle." In between, there are the lyrically sad yet musically bright-and-bouncy "Richard," based at least in part on the poem "Richard Cory" by Edwin Arlington Robinson, and the vintage-Kansas-tinged ballad "Anthem," which despite its agnostic tone is easily the closest Zen Rock and Roll comes to a traditionally structured song. The Birthright Circle boasts demanding material that challenges listeners. But then again, isn't that what progressive rock is all about?

The psychedelic artwork enhances the atmosphere the music creates and you can almost picture yourself in the 70s... The booklet artwork is also exceptionally good, the sleeve opening out to form a single large picture (like the halcyon days of gatefold LP sleeves!). This again like the 1st album "End of the Age" is a 4.5 stars for me!

3.5 stars really

Zen Rock & Roll is a solo project of mult instrumentalist Jonathan Saunders from 2001. Under this name he released so far 3 albums. The second offer was released in 2004 at Progrock records and was very well recived even the band is quite unknown in prog circles. I like what I've heared here, the music is symphonic prog based on keyboards and long instrumental sections, complicated passages, very well puted on portative. Also there are lots of effects that give to the listner a pleasent atmophere all over. Only 4 pieces but is not a problem, there is an epic clocking around 22 min named Circles, very nice, like the rest 3. The music is sometimes similar with Yes, sometimes with The Tangent, but with Saunders special manner of composing, a quite underrated musician I might say. Maybe to some listners the problems are with overdubs and electronical effects present here, but to me was quite enjoyble mixed in the symphonic prog amalgamation. I can say definetly Zen Rock & Roll needs a far more recognition then has today , all three albums worth to be discovered for sure. Good album towards great.3.5 stars.