VISIONS

This album is a good example of how wide is the progressive musical style and how many ways are to express it. Some of the reviewers here asking why this artist even added to PA? May they haven't heard this particular album then. At least Visions IS the album why Gandlaf should be listed here. The multi instrumentalist Austrian played in progrock bands in the 70's and tough his later solo works under the name Gandalf are certainly fall more into the New Age category his early 80's works have certain progressive elements. They are all concept albums, where Gandlaf uses various instruments and proves his extremly high musical talent. He has even a unique style especially the way of guitar playing. Along with Magical Theatre this album is definitely the best work from Gandalf considering both the composition and the way it played. Its a rare example of a progressive new age album like 70's Mike Oldfiled albums such as Ommadawn or Incantations but the music here a lot more catchy, mellow and emotional. Newcomers who want to explore this artist should start surely with this album to catch Gandalf at his best but almost all 80's releases plus Stones Of Wisdom, Gallery Of Dreams (with Steve Hackett on guitars) and Barakaya from the 90's are good point to start. Its really a 5 star album for me but with respect to others I give it 4 as it certainly an excellent addition to any prog music collection. Simply recommended to everyone - beeing a progger or not - you won't be disappointed.