THE BRUISED ROMANTIC GLEE CLUB

Well, I finally found a copy, using that global detective Dick Trace the Internet to full effect and I am glad to report that the hunt was well worth the patience, the despair and ultimately the chase. As my dearest colleague Raff has so succinctly phrased in her effusive review, this is one of those personal little unknown ditties that will charm the pants off some unexpectant fan, in my case similar to my deep felt adoration of John G. Perry's 2 stupendous solo albums Sunset Wading and Seabird. It's just one of those ethereal enigmas that boggle the mind, no logic, just a kindred spirit that hits some invisible mark in one's musical psyche.

Now she has very nicely detailed this prolific studio /session artist's career, so we won't enter the throes of repetition but what does need some recall is the simple surreal cast of iconic players that grace the grooves here and who provide clear understanding of why they are so incredible. Case in point Gavin Harrison's superlative drumming (we all know how blessed Porcupine Tree are with him behind the kit, anyone seeing him live will nod in complete agreement), well lets just say he is bloody brilliant. Next up, the legendary Mel Collins needs no introduction, easily Britain's most renowned prog sax player with all due respect to the late Elton Dean. He sizzles here as per his usual self. Now, throw in such stalwarts as Mark King of Level 42 fame (when Holdsworth was on board, they were awesome), Canterbury icon Dave Stewart on keys and the famed double bassist Danny Thompson , you know this will be special. As if that wasn't enough, names such as recently departed Ian Wallace and Hugh Hopper, fretless bassist John Giblin and stickman Nick Beggs as well as cellist Caroline Lavelle, drumster Clive Brooks, flautist Ian McDonald, saxist Gary Barnacle and percussist Pandit Dinesh adorn the 2 discs Jakko has proffered. Yes, this is very eclectic Brit prog with hints at that intelligent/adult pop the islanders seem so adapt at dishing out. Just great listening music, full of life and gusto, obviously played with deep affection (glee?) and complete mastery. Of course Robert Fripp could not resist adding his 2 cents worth, anointing this 2 CD project with a little dab of "rouge royalty"! Highlights are many, certainly not everyone's cup of tea, this is one of those extremist albums which in my opinion (shared with quite a few and opposed by many) is what makes this precisely so ?..let me find the apt word? precious! That some of my colleagues doubt the prog elements here is beyond my understanding, as the ultimate modus operandi to find out if something is really prog, remains the candlelit room , the glass of fine wine , a comfortable chair and letting the music flow around you, unchallenged by any outside interference. I love this stuff, correctly very near The Tangent (Jakko infused the brilliant "Not as Good as the Book" album with this style, Tillison's best work yet IMHO). This is just gorgeous music, uncontrived, highly personal, deeply evocative, profoundly honest and heartfelt , period!

The added bonuses of delightful packaging, scintillating covers of KC classics "Pictures of a City" and "Islands" and mostly, the scarcity of the release itself gives it a treasure status in my eyes and leaves me no choice than a full ***** here. Please more like this .

5 sandy grey beaches

Thanks Raff, it took awhile but I got it done