SEABIRD

"Seabird" is the followup to John's debut "Sunset Wading" although delayed until 1995 because no one wanted to release it. Like "Sunset Wading" we get mature and charming music with that Canterbury flavour. Heck John, Rupert Hine and Geoffrey Richardson all key members here played on CARAVAN's "For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night".

This was recorded at Trident Studios in London and like the debut we get the same seven musicians although that album had twice as many on it but many for just one track. So Rupert Hine produced it and plays keyboards, John G. Perry is the bass player, composer and singer, Geoffrey Richardson viola and flute, Morris Pert percussion and piano, Elio D'anna sax and flute, Michael Giles yes! drums and Corrado Rusticci guitar. and Corrado plays in the jazz style.

This is a concept album and John brought in someone to write the lyrics about a bird. Yes and on top of that I believe I have four concept albums on birds. I like birds especially the cardinals that come by my place, so vibrant. I honestly have no idea about the lyrics but the vocals are pretty good and of course instrumentally this is top drawer.

That song "Uncle Sea Bird's Finest Hour" is my favourite. I mean this just grooves with Perry and Giles. Oh my! And clavinet! Strings too sound amazing late and the vocals are the best here with some scat stuff to end it. And check out that bass. The finest piece of music on here in my opinion. How about "The Lockheed Lizard" a song that at least comes close. Pert on percussion and Perry on bass to start then flute. Catchy stuff with all the beats going on. Guitar starts to solo before 2 minutes in a jazzy way, some piano too. Some repetitive vocals after 3 minutes, viola too. Good song.

I feel the rest of the album isn't on the same level but this one won me over.