AVIATOR

The set list is comprised of 3 distinct attitudes, the dashingly progressive jewels such as the magnificent "Keep Your Heart Right", the brooding "Country Morning" (sounding a lot like Italian prog/fusion band Nova) and its companion "Morning Journey". These are absolute prog classics that still stand the test of time and are entirely worthy of attention.

Then there are the outright rockers like the exuberant "Silver Needles" and its extended instrumental platform, "Greed" and the brash "Cleveland Ohio" (great loopy synthesizer riff) which veer near Spooky Tooth/Foreigner- like territory, but graced by some monstrous guitar playing.

And finally the poppy in-betweens such as the rambling and jagged opener "Your Loving Is My Home", "Evil Eye" , "Time Traveller" , all positive ear-candy but far from progressive , outside of a few twists and turns that keep things interesting.

Obviously, Aviator is more of a footnote than a sheer prog accomplishment but its scarcity make it a valuable addition to a progressive rock collection.

3.5 Supersonic jets

The short songs aren't as strong this time round (I admit I balked a bit when I first heard "Way Of The World"), but the album improves quickly, with some excellent exploratory tracks taking you to bold new places that most guitar/based/drums configurations never dared to go. "Fallen Star" and "Strange Worlds" are both superb, but it's the title song, with it's dynamite 7/4 rhythm, that most appeals to me from this one. A worthy follow-up on their great debut disc.

Something of a second-string supergroup (comprised of Mick Rogers from the original line-up of Manfred Mann's Earth Band, John G. Perry from Caravan and Quantum Jump, Clive Bunker of Jethro Tull and Jack Lancaster of Blodwyn Pig), Aviator began life as a quartet of guitar, bass, sax and drums. You'll surely note the presence of synths here, they were all played by Lancaster not on keyboards, but on his Computone Wind Synthesizer Driver, which I'm sure must have been trailblazing.

I'd never heard anyone talking about this release before I bought my cheapie vinyl copy. Imagine my great surprise to learn it was actually quite good. "Keep Your Heart Right" is a strong, brooding, atmospheric number. The high-energy "Silver Needles" is perhaps my favourite tune on the album, brimming over with exciting riffage. The slow-burn "Country Morning" and another atmospheric piece, "Morning Journey", are other apexes.

The shorter songs are worthwhile as well. "Cleveland Ohio", with it's unforgettable synth hook, and the surging rocker "Greed" are personal favourites.

So, four great, proven musicians making excellent music. What's not to like? It's not on CD, but the vinyl is dirt cheap and not at all hard to find if you're diligent. A superb bargain-bin staple.