SUNSET WADING

JOHN G. PERRY can be characterized as a nomad musician,playing bass for a great number of bands through the 70's.He began his professional career with Gringo being a member among those who recorded their only LP in 1971.After Gringo gave it up,he played bass for Spreadeagle on their 1972 work ''The Piece of Paper'' before joining Caravan as a session bassist both on "For Girls Who Go Plump in the Night" and "Caravan and the New Symphonia'' (notice that Gringo toured with Caravan in their early years).Perry was also a member of the Canterbury progsters Quantum Jump.At the same time while working with QJ, Perry found time to record his first solo work ''Sunset wedding'',joined by a number of great musicians like Rupert Hine,Michael Giles,Elio D'Anna,Roger Glover among others,while Perry himself handled the bass,piano and some vocals.

STYLE: The title says it all.A very smooth album with an impressive lounge feeling and influences from Jazz Rock,Canterbury Prog,Psych-, Classical- and even World Music.Hard to be compared the album features some hypnotic arrangements based on the combination of steady rhythms and various solos,coming from guitars,violins,flutes and keys.Some ethereal male and female vocals here and there make it even more atmospheric.The addition of ethnic instruments like marimbas and percussions is one of the most interesting stuff in here,while string arrangements are almost everywhere,yet they are so distinctive.I find myself often labeling ''Sunset wedding'' as a tribute to the prog sounds of the 70's,it is such an eclectic mix of styles.14 mainly short tracks scanning the variety of music in general.

SOUNDS LIKE/INFLUENCES: JOHN G. PERRY tried something so different than his work on his previous and current bands.The best way to describe this is like MIKE OLDFIELD joining the Canterbury scene from his early years in a less guitar-oriented style.File next to similar experimental artists like JEAN PIERRE ALARCEN or JOEL DUGRENOT.

PLUS: The best proof that a bassist is not just 1/2 of the rhythm section.This is definitely a great ''wedding'' (to play a little with the album's title') of prog music with a variety of different styles.Unique and very personal album.Very balanced work overall with nicely executed string,flute and keys arrangements.A lounge jazzy atmosphere of amazing beauty to be met.

MINUS: Some gears like a fine dose of interplays or a couple of guitar hooks wouldn't hurt...and this because the album is very smooth and cannot be listened at any time.It requires a specific relaxing mood.

CONCLUSION/RATING: I have listened to this album over a dozen times.Sometimes I find it quite soft,especially when I nedd something more dynamic...but again it happens that I get lost in its very original atmosphere for good.So,when needing something trully compelling yet quite calm at the same time,''Sunset wedding'' is your thing...3 stars,as an average of 2 and 4 depending on my mood.