CHARISMA KEYBOARDS

This was the album that introduced me to the wonderful world of Genesis during my first year at university, so I remember it with considerable affection. Sadly, my copy disappeared during a house move a few years ago.

All the tracks are from Charisma signed artists and chosen for their keyboard content. The wonderful Fountain of Salamacis does not disappoint in any way but most will know it well, so enough said. America is slightly self indulgent but is basically the version found on Elegy and very good too. Flight to the Ford is a major highlight, being the finest section of Bo Hansson's epic Lord of the Rings. The little known Robert John Godfrey track is interesting but does not quite compare with his later achievements with The Enid. White Hammer shows off some fine organ work from Hugh Banton but suffers from the same problem as most as most VDGG tracks - too long and not consistently composed.

The undoubted star is, however, the amazing track by Rare Bird. This introduced me to them and I have acquired a number of their albums. Not one but two excellent keyboard players (Graham Field and Dave Kaffinetti) swop solos, building in intensity relentlessly. This version is different from any other I have heard, being longer and much better.

Worth buying for that alone, but there is plenty more of merit. 4 tracks reach the criteria for 5* but the VDGG track and the RJ Godfrey track drag it down to a solid 4*. Buy it - if you can find it!!