LAND OF DREAMS

American drummer, who was part of the last Gabriel Bondage line-up, participating in a third album by the band, which was never released.P.J. Shadowhawk went on to perform as a session musician in several show bands and composed music for theaters and TV shows over a span of two decades, before passing the Atlantic and become a member of Quasar in 2006.Three years later and suffering from Lupus he parted ways with the British group, unable to keep an update with the live performances due to his illness.Upon returning to California he did not give up and he even recorded and released his debut album ''Land of dreams'' in 2010 with the help of Evan Raymond on guitars.

Being a late member of Quasar and a 70's prog enthusiast, P.J. Shadowhawk couldn't do else than record an album with strong retro vibes and hints from the British symphonic sound of the past, performed under a melodic and more secure manner that the monsters of the movement, keeping though an interest through his lush, elaborate arrangements, mostly based on electric guitars, piano and soft keyboards.His vocals are not particularly exciting, but again this is pretty reasonable for a man perfoming almost all instruments and singing.I can detect influences from GENESIS, CAMEL and more recent acts like IQ and mostly GALAHAD in his music, while some cheesy vocal moments and pompous deliveries contain a slight SUPERTRAMP feel.The man is not afraid of creating long, old-fashioned compositions and his arrangements, while not extraordinary, contain plenty of interesting moments like the dramatic guitar solos, the rising sound of layered synthesizers and the peaceful but always convinving piano lines.Some sort of organ echoes and a few powerful electric explosions keep a good balance throughout.Do not expect very rich and extremely intricate musicianship, ''Land of dreams'' focuses on the more laid-back side of Progressive Rock with Shadowhawk's composing and execution being more than efficient.

Essential album for fans of melodic, mainly British-styled Neo/Symphonic Prog.Good melodies, lovely piano themes and attactive guitar/keyboard deliveries.Recommended.