KING PROGRESS

Mr Gruff - Lee Jackson, and his post-Nice outfit Jackson Heights. More of an abhorration of The Nice, than anything. Jackson opting for a Folky, Soft-Rock direction, only lightly hinting at anything Progressive. Indeed, the (almost) footnote of the sleevenotes read - For Lee to 'go acoustic' is rather like a writer taking up the quill after years on a typewriter.... I say that the writer should've stuck with the typewriter in this case.... I prefer Lee playing his Left-Handed 'Teardrop' Cello Bass thingy, rather than Acoustic Guitars and Harmonica, but that's just me. There are moments here that are worthy, like the 7min minor- key 'Since I Last Saw You', beautifully haunting and pastoral - the tranquil guitar lines are quite memorable, the almost Psychedelic and late-60's sounding 'Sunshine Freak', and, for interest's sake, the lengthy, 'armchair' version of the track 'Cry Of Eugene', originally a pleasant piece by Emerson and Co., transcribed perfectly for Jackson's acoustic setting. As for the rest of the tunes, Doubting Thomas features Drummer/Percussionist Tommy Slone's 'Abdominal Percussion', adding an original whimsy to the proceedings, and the album opener 'Mr Screw' is indicative of this 'new' path Lee has chosen to pursue. Fortunately, Lee improved upon his formula for the next release. This album is just for the curious, tracking routes of their favourite artists (Who ?? Lee ???).