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Peter Banks - Two Sides of Peter Banks CD (album) cover

TWO SIDES OF PETER BANKS

Peter Banks

 

Jazz Rock/Fusion

3.39 | 83 ratings

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BORA
2 stars Meandering, gentle and totally directionless.

This is the first solo effort I've ever heard from Peter Banks. Chances are it may be the last, too. No, it's not horrible at all, indeed the musicianship is pretty good, but the compositions leave a lot to be desired.

All instrumental - which is not at all against my preferences - but little substance is to be found here to fill the void in place of vocals, or other vital input. Indeed, I feel that I am listening to an Ementhaler cheese with more holes than solid material. Still, not without taste, but biting into chunks of not much is not my preference.

The album starts with a flamenco-ish touch and ends up with a mediocre hoedown. In- between there are some very pleasant licks, showing that Banks could play if he wanted to, but the lack of attention to compositions fail to support his talent as a good musician.

It's not before I get to the second last and longest track "Stop That!" that my interest is raised somewhat. This is a groovy and slightly jazzy piece - somewhat reminiscent of Jan Akkerman's laid back, "lazy Sunday afternoon" approach heard on "Complete Guitarist", or "It Could Happen To You". Well, if this album was made up of pieces like that, I would enjoy it much more alas, one tune alone does very little to me.

Overall, this release reminds me of when I visit musician friends, catching them just fooling around in the basement without being too serious. This is definitely not Jazz-Rock just because it has no vocals. Then again, I am not familiar with Banks' other works.

Suffice to say, I am pleased that Steve Howe had replaced Banks in YES. With Banks, YES would have never become the band it is/was. This album makes "Topographic" a roaring Rock&Roll piece in comparison.

In a sense it's good, but closer to collectors material. 2.5 rounded down.

PS: Good Heavens! At the time of writing my piece I wasn't even aware that Jan Akkerman was featured here. Well, it only shows....

.

BORA | 2/5 |

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