THE SOUND OF DREAMS

This album, folks, is a masterpiece. David has labored for years to achieve the release of this album and it is worth every minute of the wait. With stellar compositions and a supporting cast of luminaries, this is a must have album for 2020. While I'm not, in any sense, a music critic and I'm often confused by the multitude of music genres, I'm a HUGE fan of what is being called Neo-Prog and Symphonic Prog. The majority of this album is filled with delicate keys, soaring melodies and lyrics that move me. As David writes in his liner notes "At the very least, this album should serve as an inspiration for everyone to follow their dreams."

If you're going to purchase only one new album in 2020, I recommend it be this album!!!

Tracks:

01. "The Wind of Heaven (Prologue)"...featuring Justin Hayward on vocals, this track has all the beauty of a Moody Blues song. This track was released as a single with video in 2016.

02. "All In"...featuring Justin Minasian, David's son. Another beautiful track, with David's strong and soaring keys, along with a glorious vocal chorus.

03. "Faith Hope Love"...featuring Geof O'Keefe (who handles drums on most of this album), this track is a simple, yet poignant instrumental.

04. "The Sound of Dreams (First Movement)"...featuring Annie Haslam. Who doesn't know and love Annie's voice?

05. "The Sound of Dreams (Second Movement)"...featuring Billy Sherwood. Having seen Billy Sherwood with the "Royal Affair" tour (honoring the Moody Blues, ELP, Yes, Asia) I am again impressed by his versatility.

06. "The Sound of Dreams (Third Movement)"...featuring Steve Hackett. The guitar work on this track moves my soul.

07. "Road to Nothingness"...featuring Justin Minasian. I had to check the liner notes, these are David's vocals, the range and beauty of his voice is equal to Justin Haywards.

08. "Room with Dark Corners"...featuring Julie Ragins. Another killer guitar solo that fits beautifully inside the vocal and keyboard arrangement.

09. "Hold Back the Rain"...featuring Justin Minasian. More gorgeous vocals and keys from David, an inspiring track. Buy this album and read the lyrics...it is worth every penny. You won't regret it.

10. "Twin Flams at Twilight"...featuring Justin Minasian. At 13:42 this could be the "true" prog track on the album. Opening with woodwinds and transitioning into a tempo that I associate with early Yes albums, then back to vocals and keys, this track stands out on the album.

11. "So Far From Home"...featuring PJ Olson who is perhaps best known by me for his work with Alan Parsons, another beautiful track full of melody.

12. "The Wind of Heaven (Epilogue)"...featuring Annie Haslam. A fitting, and superb, closing track. Annie's vocals are as strong as ever, bringing life to the lyrics.

Be well, stay well...these are challenging times. Never Let Go...

Looking forward...Chris Winkley