SEASONS

MAGNA CARTA's "Seasons" is a pleasant and almost entirely acoustic "concept" album replete with gorgeous vocal harmonies, a side long suite, and a back to nature vibe that permeated so much music of its day.

Apart from the unavoidable and justified SIMON & GARFUNKEL references, comparisons can also be made to AMAZING BLONDEL, but Magna Carta's sound is even less edgy and progressive, and only occasionally ventures into that group's Elizabethan strongholds. Even if the "Seasons" suite is a mere seasonal song cycle, it does flow clear and free, with nothing to interrupt the sweet sentiments for better or worse. The band are clearly accomplished singers and instrumentalists, but rarely if ever bust out in either category.

The shorter tunes actually uncover several gems of succinct pastoral folk rock, particularly the cello-led "Elizabethan" reminiscent of STRAWBS circa "Dragonfly"; and the surprisingly moody "Ring of Stones" including Rick Wakeman on organ. "Airport Song" was apparently a hit in some European ports of call, and is a ringer for Boxer-era S&G.

I have been known to give high ratings even to albums with such a low prog content simply because of their high quality and a willingness to take risks. The quality of this minor delight is not in question, and this is certainly a solid 3 star + effort, but it doesn't brave the elements enough to make me spring for a fourth star.