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Colin Masson, Isle of Eight (Hi-Note)
Cyberhome: Hi-Note Music
Isle of Eight is a very respectable album created almost entirely
by guitarist Masson, who also plays bass, recorder, percussion, keyboards,
and trombone, produced the album, and did the artwork. However, the album is
by no means overly self-indulgent, even with its three 10+ minute tracks.
Throughout, Masson creates memorable moods, textures, and melodies.
The sound of the record is quite neo-proggy at times, with bright
production and generally lush, sometimes mysterious, sound. Masson makes
things most interesting when he injects a bit of Celtic or Renaissance
influence (love those Gryphon-esque recorder parts) into the mix. Even
without these more obvious cultural references, the album seems to have an
ancient British Isles vibe. In general, the compositions travel like the
boat on the albums cover, halfway between darkness and light, but pleasant in
either realm.
Isle of Eight main detraction is its tendency to lapse into a
cheesy, New Age vibe. While never done too glaringly, this put me off all the
same (and New Age music was among the first I ever seriously listened to!).
Most fans of neo-prog, or, of course, New Age music won't be bothered, but
others may find it unbearable.
At his best, Masson guides a wonderful musical tour through a lush,
ancient landscape, at his worst, he sounds like the background music for a
commercial for such a tour. Many may not mind too much, however.
~Jon Dharma Murphree~
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