TALES OF HEROES AND LOVERS

After discovering beautiful second album by David Minasion (it was a bit of a grower, but finally I succumbed to its beauty), I was left out craving for more of the same. I did reach out to seek this previous installment and, well, it's a precursor for sure, but except plagued by few 80s symptoms, worse production, it simply sounds like demo version for the later "sequel". It is still beautiful (don't forget it goes in the same vein, only this one is unpolished diamond, yet to be carefully crafted), but still an enjoyable album. If would be hypocritical to drown this album too low when I rated Random Acts so highly.

3(+), almost four, but let's be fair.

American native David Minasian is mostly known as being responsible for the production of several CAMEL DVD'S.He was born in Los Angeles and started playing the piano at the age of 15 and later he developed his film-making skills.At the early stage of his career he worked for a number of production companies around LA as a producer/director and occasional soundtrack composer.His long-time love for Progressive Rock though forced him to record and self- release a solo output in 1984 under the title ''Tales Of Heroes And Lovers'', where he sung and played keyboards with a great number of session musicians helping him in guitars, vocals, bass, drums and keyboards.

Undoubtfully Minasian was strongly influenced by the CAMEL period between ''Breathless'' and ''The Single Factor'' and actually ''Tales of Heroes and Lovers'' could have been easily a lost CAMEL effort from the mid-80's, especially on the first tracks, where the combination of sensitive vocals, light keyboards, soft pianos and smooth electric guitars stand somewhere between late-70's semi-commercial prog and AOR, yet they are always played with an artistic approach and with the music coming from the heart.Short tracks with catchy arrangements and a slick production, typical of the age, but the emotional content is deep and welcome.On the later tracks Minasian leaves his commercial side apart and begins developing a bit more adventurous compositions, sometimes reminiscent of late-70's YES and GENESIS (and of course CAMEL) with more dramatic keyboard and piano parts, a good number of sudden breaks, a more energetic guitar delivery and even some nervous sax performance and choirs appear in some tracks.His Classical education becomes apparent and the arrangements still are striking and well-executed.

Of course we are talking about mid-80's here and this album was destined to be buried in the sands of time due to its limited promotion and semi-progressive approach.A good work of Progressive/Art Rock with some commercial hints, which is in a need for a CD reissue.Recommended if you are a fan of CAMEL and late-70's prog, if you find a vinyl copy at a reasonable price.