THE BRUISED ROMANTIC GLEE CLUB

If you are Canterbury Scene fan, never heard about Jakko M. Jakszyk and are attracted by long list of ageing Canterbury/Prog stars, participated on this album, please read this review before you will pay your money for this double album.

I don't want to go deep in history, you can find it elsewhere (ok, Jakko as session musician played on Dave Stuart solo albums, etc. and one time even was touring guitarist with pop band Level 42). Most important is what we have there on this Jakko's double album. And - it's far not a Canterbury sound!

Each of two album's CDs are different: second one contains Jakko's covers of well-known prog songs from 70-s, played with star musicians from that time. If you checked Jakko's story, then you know one of his most recent project was King Crimson's tribute band "21st Schizoid Band", so he has good experience in that field. To be honest, some compositions there sound quite nice (ok, no one is better than original, or even near that), but at least you can listen some versions of songs you like played in slightly different form, often participating some great musicians. Don't think there is another reason this disc was recorded than Jakko's wish to play material he likes with some great original musicians, but at least these recordings, even if too much rounded and polished, has relations with progressive rock.

Then - there is one more disc, this time with original material. Few great names participates there as well, but it doesn't help. I don't speak about Canterbury sound, you will hardly find it even on disc two of this album. But music on disc one varies from pop-rock to just pop, and Level 42 comes to mind very soon.

So, having this double album you will be able always to choose what you like to listen first - short CD with prog covers or long one with pop songs. Now you're ready - make your decision.

Ah, yes -almost forgot: there is one more relation between Jakko and Canterbury sound. He married Michael Giles ' (one of early King Crimson member) daughter Amanda!

My rating is 2,5, rounded to 3.