SOLI

"Soli" is the plural of "solo", so what we have here is one person performing on his own, but providing multiple layers and instruments, so much so that the list I have seen includes piccolo flute, flute, alto flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, clarinet, alto clarinet, bass clarinet, keyboards, accordion, kit drums, hand drum, percussion, voice, guitar and bass. What I also find remarkable is not only the dedication and skill which comes with this effort, but his last album 'Natura Morta' only came out last year, he has just published his first novel, continues to paint as well as perform in other bands and on sessions. That is just insane.

Dave has of course been at the cutting edge of music for 50 years, with The Muffins, Manna/Mirage and many others, and I always find his work exciting as it is just not possible to predict what journey he is going to take us on, not only with no idea of the final destination but how the travel will unravel. He is widely known and recognised for his woodwind and keyboard prowess, but if one wants to attempt to understand how his brain works then visit "Bande Noire" and sit back in reverence as he makes an accordion the foundation, slowly bringing in other instruments to provide depth and power before moving away again. The flute gives this a very Native American feel and listening to this I am in a dark forest, not knowing where I am but also not worried about being in these surroundings but instead am invigorated by what is around me.

Towards the end of the album is the deep and poignant "Not Enough Time, Billy". This takes us into a dreamscape which allows us to think of what might happen after death and is a homage to his friend and co-founder of The Muffins, Billy Swann, who sadly passed away last year. This album is a delight which refuses to sit within any particular genre, blending world music, jazz, prog, Canterbury and so much more into a collection which demands the listener pay full attention whilst playing this, preferably on headphones, as we are taken on a magic carpet ride of the senses.

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