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WILLOWGLASS

Willowglass

Symphonic Prog


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Willowglass Willowglass album cover
3.70 | 104 ratings | 19 reviews | 21% 5 stars

Excellent addition to any
prog rock music collection

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Studio Album, released in 2005

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Peace (1:26)
2. Remembering (8:34)
3. Garden (8:15)
4. Interlude No. 1 (1:36)
5. Tower of the King's Daughter (7:10)
6. Summer's Lease (0:18)
7. Into the Chase (4:29)
8. A Blinding Light (6:36)
9. Waking the Angels (5:45)
10. The End (1:46)

Total Time 45:55

Line-up / Musicians

- Andrew Marshall / electric, acoustic, 12-string & classical guitars, bass, keyboards, flute, drums
- Dave Brightman / drums

Releases information

CD Self-released - WGCD001 (2005, UK)

Thanks to ProgLucky for the addition
and to projeKct for the last updates
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WILLOWGLASS Willowglass ratings distribution


3.70
(104 ratings)
Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music(21%)
21%
Excellent addition to any prog rock music collection(43%)
43%
Good, but non-essential (32%)
32%
Collectors/fans only (4%)
4%
Poor. Only for completionists (0%)
0%

WILLOWGLASS Willowglass reviews


Showing all collaborators reviews and last reviews preview | Show all reviews/ratings

Collaborators/Experts Reviews

Review by erik neuteboom
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars WOW, lots of Mellotron and sensitive electric guitar soli! I can make an extensive review but I keep it short (and I refer to the other two fine reviews): if you like mid-Genesis and early IQ or bands like Camel and BJH, I highly recomended this CD to you, what an amazing and often moving progrock experience this is and what a stunning appearance from the 'Mighty Tron'! And it's mainly made by multi-instrumentalist Andrew Marshall, with help from Dave Brightman on drums. Don't expect original or complex prog, just let yourself carry away by this very pleasant and melodic prog!

THIS IS A SPLENDID DEBUT CD!!

Review by tszirmay
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
5 stars You are spot on POTS! I also bought this from Syn-Phonic subsequent to the review posted here, which proves again the inherent value of such a site (from Quebec , just like POTS and myself!: we are a hotbed of Prog , if you didn't know). I am quite bold in stating that this was 2005's top 5 progressive CDs, , as it relives some classic prog luminaries , on the mellower side such as Genesis, Camel and Focus. Not a big fan of one man shows (that often yield maudlin results), this recording was received in the mail with minimal anticipation so as not to be disappointed and I was simply in heaven!I strongly urge my fellow progsters to succumb to its highly obvious charm and likewise put the sleeve up on the mantel , as the artwork is quite revealing of the juicy content (remember when we used to buy vinyl LPs just based on the progressive artwork! Ah, those were magical days!) . Andrew Marshall is as adept on keys (strong Banks influence) as on guitar where the Latimer-Hackett-Akkerman inspiration serve as a launching pad for some timely and well turned flights. Precious, fragile yet grandiose stuff indeed. Exceptional tracks include: Remembering, Tower of the King and Waking with Angels . 5 nostalgic trons
Review by Chris S
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
3 stars Definitely a blend between Camel and Genesis with some Anthony Phillips guitar styles in there too. It is a beautiful album which indicates how talented Andrew Marshall is. The influences are all there yet there is nothing notable on the album that smacks of plagiarism so I have to give this debut album a big thumbs up for being truly progressive, symphonic and so 70's sounding like in it's authenticity.' Garden' featured in stream on this site is simply stunning and acted as the catalyst to pick up the album. This is a concept album but other highlights would be ' A Blinding Light' and ' Waking The Angels'. More please from Willowglass. Three and a half stars.
Review by Finnforest
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
3 stars Modest symphonic/neo-prog success

Another reviewer mentions not being a fan of one-man shows as there is often something missing when the collaborative dynamic is not present. But he is correct in asserting that is not the case here. Andrew Marshall has done a good job of making this "sound" like a full band and is helped by bringing in drummer Dave Brightman.

The music of Willowglass is a pastoral prog lover's dream come true, not to mention a mellotron lover's dream. Fans of classic bucolic prog like Harmonium, Celeste, Anthony Phillips, and XII Alfonso will want to take special note of this album. While not as successful as Harmonium or Celeste, you have an entire album dedicated to the most romantic and lovely themes and melodies with plenty of space and patience for everything to unfold. Slow to medium paced drum and bass backbone set the stage for constant progressions of electric and acoustic guitars, classical guitars, flutes, and keyboards. As I mentioned before this album features TONS of mellotron for tron junkies. The guitar playing is tasteful and lovely and in the vein of early 70s Genesis or perhaps Camel although they will not be taken to heavier rock conclusions here as they do sometimes in those bands. There is a slight Renaissance folk music feel to some of the tracks as well. One misstep to my ears is the drumming on the track "Waking the Angels." While the guitar melody is again great, the drumbeat here has a very modern "programmed" sound that sort of breaks the spell that you are somewhere in the past. How Marshall could have possibly concluded that was a good choice for this album I'll never know! It sounds like the percussion from a Dido track. This is a decent album that will please fans of modern symphonic and neo-prog but it is hardly essential. It has some nice moments but there are probably hundreds of symphonic albums to hear before you get to this one. Lee Gaskins gets an assist in the overall presentation of the release for the stunning artwork that adorns the packaging. I only wish there were more of it, the inner booklet is a scant 2 page foldover. 6/10

Review by BrufordFreak
COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
3 stars The eponymous debut release from Andrew Marshall calling his project "Willlowglass" gives one an exciting glimpse into an artist who seems to be able to bridge the beloved prog music of Genesis, Anthony Philips, Camel, and even King Crimson & Nektar in the early-to-mid-1970s.

1. "Peace" (1:26) (3.75/5)

2. "Remembering" (8:34) some sublime, if unpolished music and ear-worm riffs. (17.5/20)

3. "Garden" (8:15) gorgeous Neo Prog in the true 12-string GENESIS format. Incredible melodies and ANTHONY PHILLIPS-like pastoral textures. Easily the best song on the album--the only one on which all cylinders are firing in sync--and, if this were any indication of things to come, a very exciting portent. One of my favorite songs of 2005. (20/20)

4. "Interlude No. 1" (1:36) a very simple STEVE HACKETT-esque classical guitar solo. (4.25/5)

5. "Tower of the King's Daughter" (7:10) slow bouncing electric piano turns 'tron-o-progic with flute and picked acoustic guitars and active, melodic electric bass. Ramped up section in the middle is straight out of a GENESIS playbook. Nice sounds (great sound palette) and melodies, but a little too derivative. Impressive Steve Hackett electric guitar lead in the final third! (12.25/15)

6. "Summer's Lease" (0:18)

7. "Into the Chase" (4:29) good Steve Hackett-like piece, but nothing terribly new here. Nice guitar sounds and melodies that are detracted by simplistic bass lines. (8/10)

8. "A Blinding Light" (6:36) too drawn out with melodies that fail to engage. The formula is beginning to wear on the straight-thru listener. Interesting solo organ (w/ chunky bass) in middle, and exciting Hackett-like solos in the final section. (8.25/10)

9. "Waking the Angels" (5:45) odd rhythm track and 'tron and piano use make this one almost like a real Steve Hackett dud! (7.25/10)

10. "The End" (1:46) Echoplex guitar and bass? Interesting. (4/5)

Total Time 45:55

The highs on this disc are extremely high (e.g., the ends of "A Blinding Light," "Waking the Angels," some sections of "Remembering," and the whole of "Garden"), but the brief interludes ("Peace," "Interlude No. 1," "Into the Chase," and "The End") are a bit too simple while "Into the Chase" and "Tower of the King's Daughter" simply fail to draw one in. Plus there's something just not right about the drumming--as if it is too simple and reserved, just fill. Despite all of my Steve Hackett comparisons, I always think of this album and it's stylistic palette as more akin to a ANTHONY PHILLIPS effort.

B-/3.5 stars; a very nice first effort with some incredible soundscapes. A wonderful preview of things to come. Just look for the much more mature second release, Book of Hours (2008). Still, it's worth a listen--maybe even owning--but, essential or excellent addition? Perhaps not.

Review by Marty McFly
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
4 stars We expect mellotron, he starts with piano. But don't worry, good ol' mell will come later. I love sound of it, so I'm pleased by this album at maximum level (reminds me their better, newer album). It's pure symphony, modern approach to classical music. Not so melodic as their second, it's line is less clear to see, but as music used for floating away (I do it from time to time, just relaxing, meditating) is very useful (when you want to rest in progressive peace). I also see this one as more peaceful from these two, not so strong synths, acoustic guitar more used (I think). But there's problem which (also) is advantage at the same time. These tracks are similar one to another, which happens quite often when it's one man project (not band as I'm used to). This prevents me from giving it best mark. I like it, but could I like this more if it would be better ? There's probably a story, but I can't really feel into it to understand it. "Tower of the King's Daughter" sounds like something fantasy/medieval, which also cover art (beautiful one) suggests. But all I have are hints.

Four stars for so good music, but not so appealing as it could be (for me)

Review by Tarcisio Moura
PROG REVIEWER
3 stars What a nice surprise! Very good progressive instrumental music done with competence and love. This one band project is much better than I expected when I first heard about it. Ok, nothing here is very original or groundbreaking. In fact, Andrew Marshall does not even try to hide his fondness for the music of Genesis (around the Wind & Wuthering period), Camel, Pink Floyd and even some bits of Yes. Even the arrangements and instruments seem to be drawn from that classic era. But boy, does it sound good!

There is little doubt that the man also knows how to write some nice tunes in that frame of work. His compositions sound fresh and exciting, even if lacking some personality and boldness at times. But since this is his first efford, I guess it is ok. All the tracks are very good with lots of vintage keyboards (mellotrons, Hammond, Arp, etc), Hackett-like electric guitar solos, nice flute parts and so on. Sometimes I miss a little vocal here and there, but otherwise Willowglass is a strong debut. The guy is a very talented artist and I´m looking forward to hear their next releases.

In the end I don´t think this CD is really essential, but it is far more than just good. My final rating would be somewhere between 3,5 and 4 stars. Recommended to any fan of good instrumental prog music with lots of classic 70´s bands references.

Review by progrules
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars This is going to be the last chapter of my small trilogy of laid back melodic albums I'm reviewing today and you almost could say I saved the best for last. After Edhels' Still Dream and Edith's Dreams, two albums of which the title says it all in fact it's now high time for the Willowglass debut. And it's almost the best of the three because all things considered I personally prefer Edhels but it's a tough call which is objectively the greatest.

When I checked this album out first few times I often associated it with Camel, a band Willowglass is also referred to in the band description and is the best comparison I feel. Pink Floyd and Anthony Phillips are also mentioned, all with good right but will all three the vocals play an important role and Willowglass is 100% instrumental, one of the reasons I love this band so much.

When I played this album I always completely fell for second track (and first lengthy one) Remembering, such a wonderful tune making you surrender and long for more. And more there is on this fabulous debut. Most people prefer their follow up Book of Hours and all things considered so do I but that's no reason to sell this beauty short. Also the self titled debut is totally worthy of the four stars. If you want to sit back and relax, play this one. It's perfect !

Review by ZowieZiggy
PROG REVIEWER
3 stars The only reference I can suggest here is an instrumental comparison to « Trespass » some thirty years after this great album.

Each of the genuine parts of this essential album is present: subtle fluting, gentle acoustic guitar and some good mellotron. What I am lacking is the drama of the lyrics, the ? absence of vocals. If you have read some of my reviews, you probably know that I quite like instrumental works (or at least passages), but with this sort of music; a few words might have been welcome.

This is at times too much derivative: "Tower Of The King's Daughter" (hi "Watcher"). When you look at the album cover, you have almost understood the content: pastoral English music. With a slice of a symphony.

The problem with such an album is that you get quite soon burned out with such content. The miracle of a couple of songs can't be repeated for long and at the end of the day, the music turns out to be quite average in terms of compositions ("Into The Chase").

I rate this album with no more than three stars. The more I listen to it, the less I can find any originality in here.

Review by apps79
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
4 stars Willowglass is actually a one-man project,who is Andrew Marshall,a multi-instrumentalist based in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, UK.With a love for progressive rock,especially the legendary English names of the 70's,Andrew decided to record an album as a tribute to this magnificent vintage sound with only the help of drummer Dave Brightman.Marshall handles all guitars,keyboards,flutes and bass on this all instrumental debut,carrying the name of the project as a title and released in 2005.

From the opening notes the influences from 70's UK Classic Prog are dominant.The short instrumentals on this album are definitely of the ANTHONY PHILLIPS/GENESIS school,attractive, delicate, pastoral acoustic music often supported by lovely flutes and mellotron.In the longer ones Marshall seems influenced by both the Symphonic and Folk Rock scene of the Island.''Remembering'' is absolutely fantastic,grandiose spacy synth Symphonic Music blended with CAMEL-esque jazzy guitars and some GENESIS soft folkiness towards the end.''Garden'' is closer to Folk Prog,excellent atmosphere under acoustic guitars and mellotron with a nice and intense outro.''Tower of the King's Daughter'' is maybe the weakest track,not because it's bad,but mainly due to the heavy plagiarism on the BANKS-ian moog synth sounds,seems like coming out of ''Selling England by the pound''.With ''Into The Chase'' Marshall goes back on his unique track,fine blending of KING CRIMSON-influenced mellotron,GENTLE GIANT-ish clavinet with a superb GILMOUR-ish guitar section later.On ''A Blinding Light'' organ makes its strongest presence,mixed well with the piano and guitars of Marshall,again delivering some trippy melodic soundscapes.''Waking The Angels'' is another huge highlight,almost entirely built around keys (mellotron-choir,spacey synths),flutes and acoustic guitars,offering absolutely dreamy musicianship of the highest quality.

Willowglass is one of the very few bands around with very strong retro-influences,which keeps the quality of their music on,at least, the same level as its loving bands of the past.This album is so elegant,dreamy,melodic and carefully composed,it is almost possible not to spin it back in your CD player.Highly recommended to all fans of 70's Classic Progressive Rock.

Latest members reviews

4 stars When talent meets inspiration and 1970's-style English prog, you get the self-titled debut from Willowglass, who is actually one Andrew Marshall from Yorkshire, England. With the assistance of Dave Brightman on drums, this solo artist/multi-instrumentalist plays all electric and acoustic guitars, 12 ... (read more)

Report this review (#2441970) | Posted by Squire Jaco | Thursday, August 27, 2020 | Review Permanlink

3 stars Willowglass is pure symphonic prog; lots of mellotron, synthesisers, flutes, acoustic guitar, choirs, and so on, with no vocals. The atmosphere is mostly laid back and at times relaxing, with all focus on recapturing the sound of 70s symphonic prog. In fact the production of Willowglass would cause ... (read more)

Report this review (#566521) | Posted by Quirky Turkey | Saturday, November 12, 2011 | Review Permanlink

4 stars The man behind the Willowglass project lives and work in the same village as the chaotic, hilarious TV sitcom Last Of The Summerwine was filmed. The music on this album is not chaotic though. Take some of the best from the 1970s symphonic prog scene and then add some New Age, folk and jazz to ... (read more)

Report this review (#455659) | Posted by toroddfuglesteg | Wednesday, June 1, 2011 | Review Permanlink

3 stars I heard the two Willowglass releases in reverse chronological order, so i expected this debut release to be somewhat less stellar than it's brilliant follow-up (the mighty Book of Hours). On the first few listens I felt that was the case; the songs failed to hold my attention as well as Book of H ... (read more)

Report this review (#201793) | Posted by AdamHearst | Thursday, February 5, 2009 | Review Permanlink

4 stars One of the best albums of 2005. Willowglass is all instrumental and reminds me of early seventies prog like Mike Oldfield and Anthony Phillips. There are not many catchy melodies here, but rather dreamy and mellow atmospheric soundscapes with a feel of improvisation. However, this is not ambi ... (read more)

Report this review (#76698) | Posted by 1971 | Sunday, April 30, 2006 | Review Permanlink

4 stars I love this album, Andrew should be very proud of it. The streamed song: Garden is an excellent example of what's in store so if you like that, then I would say the rest of the album is just as strong. All the tracks are very melodic and heavily laden with mellotron choir and strings. The ... (read more)

Report this review (#75076) | Posted by Squonk1965 | Saturday, April 15, 2006 | Review Permanlink

4 stars This is an excellent debut album from the multi-instrumental Andrew Marshall. I bought this cd after reading the review on this site and it hit the spot right away. I love this album because it reminds me of the old good Genesis (don't forget it's an instrumental). Every track are good if you lik ... (read more)

Report this review (#71995) | Posted by pots | Wednesday, March 15, 2006 | Review Permanlink

4 stars This is the all-instrumental debut album by talented multi-instrumentalist Andrew Marshall who lives in deepest, darkest Yorkshire. If you want to know what's inside, just take a look at the gorgeous artwork by Lee Gaskins, who is also responsible for the artwork on the Pilgrym CD ... a you ... (read more)

Report this review (#43737) | Posted by felona | Sunday, August 21, 2005 | Review Permanlink

4 stars Genesis meets Camel meets a man who knows his music! This instrumental album by one man, Andrew Marshall (with a little help from Dave Brightman on drums), is quite frankly an excellent debut. Of course the music is reminiscent of early Genesis and Camel but it is just that, not slavishly ... (read more)

Report this review (#41156) | Posted by progadder | Monday, August 1, 2005 | Review Permanlink

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