A MATTER OF LIFE & DEATH (THE JOURNAL OF ABEL MANN)

As I write this review Guy manning has put out 10 studio albums so far and this particular one is his sixth. This man is very talented both in his playing and song writing, and as usual he has offered up another concept album. I must admit I much prefer the other projects he has been involved with in THE TANGENT and PARALLEL OR 90 DEGREES but that's just my particular taste in music.

"The Dream" is such a good song to start off with. Strings before it kicks in and those strings will come and go throughout. Vocals after a minute. Such an uplifting track. Fiddle comes and goes as well. Electric guitar 3 minutes in. Sax is crying out before 4 minutes. Check out Andy Tillison's moog solo after 5 minutes. The sound of waves ends it. "Nobody's Fool" is melancholic as reserved vocals arrive. Mandolin is picked during the instrumental break. "Omens" opens with strummed guitar and drums before the electric guitar takes the spotlight. Vocals follow. Some organ runs then the guitar returns. Themes are repeated. It's an okay song.

"The River Of Time" features some female backing vocals as sounds echo early on. I like the synths before 1 1/2 minutes. Piano before 3 1/2 minutes leads. "Silent Man" has this catchy rhythm and lots of cello. Some clapping too. "Falling Down ? Rising Up !" is a sad sounding tune with piano. Strings 1 1/2 minutes in. A change in the mood 3 1/2 minutes in as piano and bass start to lead. Sax follows then organ followed by upbeat vocals. "Life's Disguises" is led by acoustic guitar and vocals. A mellow and reflective tune. "Out Of My Life" is my favourite. This song just makes me feel so good. Sax and drums to open as vocals and organ join in. Great sound especially after 5 minutes as the drums and organ lead. Sax is back later. "Midnight Sail" is my least favourite coincidently. An uptempo conclusion to this concept album.