A TAPESTRY OF TALES

After playing with a Classical Rock band didn't work out, UK-based classical-trained multi- instrumentalist Graham Dunnington decided to launch his own project under the name of Looking-Glass Lantern.Inspired both by Classical Music and 70's Progressive Rock, he moved on to the writings and recordings of a debut album influenced by the stories of Sherlock Holmes.Basically a home production, Dunnington was armoured with guitars, various keyboards ( Korg X5, Roland U110 and Yamaha TX81Z) and samplers and the album came out digitally in 2013 under the title ''A tapestry of tales''.

This work is at least surprising, when you have talent you can really come-up with a pretty cool album.''A tapestry of tales'' is actually a Symphonic Rock effort with romantic touches and, according to Dunnington, flashes from the atmosphere of Victorian England.It sounds like 70's GENESIS with occasional vibes from THE ENID and RICK WAKEMAN and comes close to a more Classical-inspired side of the Dutch US project.Long tracks with lush and elaborate arrangements, filled with dreamy keyboard interludes and more bombastic passages, leaning on a balance between instrumental orchestrations and vocal sections.But there are enough great guitar moves and atmospheric segments for a more flexible effort, which swirls around melodic patterns, Classical reminders and Prog Rock diversity and intelligence.Nice use of synthesizers to produce a mixture of vintage and modern keyboard stylings with sections sound as based on organ and harsichord and other parts coming closer to the pompous lines of Neo Prog acts.The mood of the album is excellent with many sensitive pieces linked to the virtuosity of a Classical composer, only significant flaw is Dunnington's mediocre voice, which even appears to be highly distorted.

I was very impressed by the work of this man.While not a classic, ''A tapestry of tales'' is a more than rewarding modern Symphonic Rock effort with great melodies, 70's inspirations and beautiful arrangements.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.

If a multi-talented musician has enough confidence in his songwriting, there should appear the self-performed, self-produced and even self-released masterwork. It's time for Graham Dunnington to confirm this theory. So LOOKING-GLASS LANTERN takes the heritage of Victorian England into the 21-st century by means of wonderful CD 'A Tapestry of Tales'. Arose from famous adventures of Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, this debut album is tour-de- force of symphonic progressive grandeur, filled with church organs and miraculous harpsichords, brass fanfares and tinkling bells, violin-like guitar passages and steady rhythm section. Classically oriented arrangements are on a top level. The vintage instruments (Korg, Roland, Yamaha) build up the atmosphere to recreate the feeling of that original era. The lead vocals complimented by neat harmonies add an essential part to sonic texture... Undoubtedly, Looking-Glass Lantern draws on the Genesis legacy ('Wind and Wuthering' period). A lot of Tony Banks-ish bliss strengthens such comparison. Being a real wizard with the keyboards, Graham Dunnington has mastery over the guitar. The soft-as-velvet tones display a resemblance to Steve Hackett. Fans of Phil Collins will find plenty of exquisite drumming. Melodic bass-lines evoke Mike Rutherford. Additionally to Genesis, there're enchanting moments to recall Alan Parsons Project and Barclay James Harvest; plus allusion to Keith Emerson (in dizzying heights of title track). Thankfully, everything sounds natural and organic. The musical content doesn't wear out its miraculous eloquence until the final note. Bravo!