RANDOM ACTS OF BEAUTY

A propos of nothing, is there a statute of limitations on debut albums? That is, if one's first album was released 26 years ago and now another appears, is it another debut? Anyways, David Minasian has been nothing if not busy in the intervening quarter century, and his activities of greatest interest would involve mutual heroes CAMEL and ANDY LATIMER. Apparently Mr Latimer provided much encouragement to see this project to fruition, some of it tangible, as in lending guitars and voice to one of the best tracks.

This is mostly lush and melodic music that lovingly recalls former symphonic glory days while establishing its own filter on that period. Soaring lead guitars, ethereal keyboards, and melancholic vocals blend appealingly. All are well played, and the song oriented tracks tend to hold together rather well. Apart from a more orchestrally inspired CAMEL, other comparisons might be to the MOODY BLUES, PINK FLOYD, and some keyboard wizzes, among them KITARO in the more mellow and reflective moments.

My main criticisms are that the instrumentals, particularly the album's lengthiest cut, seem to jump around a bit...er, randomly, and generally don't captivate, and the lead guitars of son Justin, while emotive, are sometimes a bit too blended into the mix, and at a lower growl, a la MOSTLY AUTUMN, and in contrast to Mr Latimer himself who tends to take charge when he solos.

In both "Masquerade" and especially "Blue Rain" I do find myself truly awed. If the MOODYS could still produce a composition as transcendent as the latter, with waves of heartfelt verses, choruses and solos, they might be a going concern instead of an oldies revue. Both "Chambermaid" and "Summer's End" are solid songs with thought provoking lyrics, while falling short of stunning, while the closing instrumental "Dark Waters" wraps the festivities up on a high note.

As with many "debuts", the sequel is anxiously awaited, to assess if the artist will move forward, retrench, abandon hope, improve, or some combination thereof. Still, on its own merits, this is a deeply nostalgic work that recalls a more beautiful time, or at least one when we were all more beautiful. 3.75 stars.