Richard Barbieri (Porcupine Tree) - new solo album

Nice review John. I haven't listened to it yet, but it's in my list for sure.
Just a comment on the effort to create ambient music and its appreciation. It is often stated that creating ambient music is a lazy task. I believe that complexity and work hours don't necessarily benefit ambient music. Usually it's simplicity and creativity that contribute to a worthwhile listening experience.

I'm very interested to see how this translates live as i'm seeing Richard Barbieri in concert in a couple of days time; I must admit my complete ignorance of his work outside Japan and Porcupine tree but the list of people with whom he has collaborated over the years is very impressive and eclectic and that is enough to spike my curiosity.. and (bless him) he is coming to the west country (of the UK) where little enough sophisticated music makes its way at the best of times!

Thanks; ive been listening to quite a bit of his solo and collaborative output and re-visiting some old Japan material and i havent been disapointed! The concert was last night and it was an excellent mix of the new lp and a few re-imagined Japan and porcupine tree pieces. Unlike the 2 other UK gigs which have guest musicians, this gig was entirely 'solo' with nice lightinig and back-drop visuals.. very relaxing after a hard day's work!