BEHIND THE CURTAINS

Behind The Curtain is the second album from Finland's Paidarion. Whilst it won't set the world on fire it's nevertheless a highly competent and enjoyable collection drawing on various styles. Light jazz is fairly prominent; the kind of stuff David Sanborn did (probably still does) mixed with prog - mainly symphonic and all done with a commercial touch. If there's a problem it's that it's all just a little too polite and smooth, mainly on the mellow side. Occasionally Jaan Jaanson's guitar takes things up a notch and he puts in a few fiery solo's, a few more of which would have been very welcome.

The band are all good players and Elina Hautakoski is an excellent singer with a jazz inflected style. Making the band stand out from the usual prog fare is the heavy use of sax but don't expect any wilder David Jackson (Van Der Graaf Generator) style moments, the afore mentioned David Sanborn coming more to mind.

Those enjoying the wilder excesses of prog may find Paidarion a bit on the dull side but despite this there's no denying their ability as players and composers of light and easily accessible prog. Perhaps a new sub-genre is in order - easy listening prog.