FAIRYPORT

Wigwam

Jazz Rock/Fusion

4.12 | 243 ratings

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Sean Trane
Special Collaborator
Prog Folk

(third in a series of seven)

With this double album , Wigwam goes into the big leagues and come out with a relatively successful effort both artistically and comercially drawing international critical attention. The fragile balance between Pembroke and Gustavson is tipped heavily in favor of the latter, as Pohjola is now fully integrated into the group and his style is much closer to Gustavson. People have been talking of a concept album but IMo , this is thematic (the fourth side of the double album is nothing to do with the rest but shows an exciting live side) and somehow would not convince me if it was a concept. this has more to do with the schizophrenic nature of Wigwam (two different musical personalities) and the still Winwood- like vocals but also much Gabriel-alike are a bit at odds with he jazz-rock develpped in most tracks. The first two tracks always makes me think of a jazzier version of Genesis's Lamb album and Caffkaff being my personal fave along with the title track.

As I said above and in other reviews , I am not entirely convinced by the double personality of Wigwam's music and would've prefered Pembroke and Gustavson to find a common sound halfway between their influences instead of placing their styles strongly on their respective compositions and interveine in their own styles on eachother's compos. Wigwam might have gained much more artistically speaking. This "rift" would eventually become irreconciliable after Being (the following concept album to come and much alike this album) leading to rupture with Pohjola and Gustavson leaving Pembroke alone at the Helm.

Superb sleeve artwork is also likely to please most progheads but symphonic progheads might want to stay clear of Wigwam if they dislike jazz influences.

Sean Trane | 4/5 | 2005-1-20

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