CHARLESTOWN

As said in my review of "Songs from the Bilston House," Anyone who likes the 1970s music of VAN MORRISON, JETHRO TULL, MARSHALL TUCKER BAND, DAVE MASON or even the ALLMAN BROTHERS will like the music of Guy Manning. My question remains: Is this prog? Perhaps this album more than previous ones because of the 35 minute epic, "Charlestown" and the inclusion of a Canterbury-like instrumental, "Finale," but the rest is, to me, just standard bluesy-folksy, lyric-driven, "bard"-like rock'n'roll. Is "Charlestown" a masterpiece? It depends if a) you like this kind of music and b) if you consider it "progressive rock." I think it's just rock. Do I consider it and "excellent addition to any prog lovers music collection"? Not mine but maybe yours. Of the Manning catalog, I would most recommend trying/starting with "Songs from the Bilston House." Especially if you like(d) any of the above-named artists music from the 70s. If you like "Bilston House," then you can continue exploring his rather extensive contribution to recorded music. Is it good music? Yes, it is good music--very well crafted music. Just not the kind of music I seek out or return to.