SANCTUARY LIVE AT NEWBURY

Robert needs no introduction, as he remains a pillar of Progressive Rock for over 2 decades now, his career with Cyan, Magenta, Kompendium, and vast array of solo albums there for the choosing. As a Rogue rule, a recorded concert review should stay away from the concept of track-by-track analysis, because after all, either you witness the entire performance or walk back home from the get-go. Here, Robert has gathered together some trusted friends to create a live rendering (also DVD) of a gig that would incorporate a wide variety of pieces from the first 2 albums of the Sanctuary trilogy, as well as The Ringmaster and a few sundries. Everyone knows full well that Robert has a powerful admiration of Mike Oldfield's long career, a passion that cannot be criticized as the 'Ommadawn Man' is a musical icon.

From the opening twinkling of "Sanctuary Part One", the musical die is cast, and the magic begins in earnest, exuding melodic charm, tonal seduction and a magnificent respect from time and space. A trio of guitarists (Reed, Fry, Elliot) weave an intoxicating string strong brew, a duo of percussionists (Griffiths and Brittlebank) hammer the drums and timpani, Nigel Hopkins' piano and the Dan Nelson bass steering the score subtly. Les Penning narrates when needed and uses his trusted recorder accordingly, while Tom Newman negotiates the 'crowd-pleasing' megaphone and bodhran. That being stated, the voices are absolutely a highlight of any Celtic-tinged output, and Angharad Brinn on lead vocals, with backing provided by the mercurial Christian Booth and Kirstie Roberts elevate this entire recital to starry celestial levels. The drop-dead beauty of the main melody is surely a timeless example of music that even Mike would applaud earnestly. To expertly recreate this complex piece in a live setting is all the testimony one needs to convince the judge, the jury and even the odd misfit executioner out there in highly opinionated critic land.

After such an epic beginning, a long series of pieces follow that span a wide variation of sounds and textures, keeping the audience rapt, absorbed and ultimately conquered. Highlights include immense ambient atmospheres such as on the ornate piano intro on the avian flutter of "Albatross", with a lament vocal to expire over. Electronic modernistic expanse on the echoing anthem "Rio Grande" or a pastoral rural romp on Mr Penning's recorder, your choice! The positive Celtic vibes on the rhythmically playful "Swan Feathered Girl" or "Marimba " (featuring, you guessed it, marimba !), the Tyrolian feel of the enchanting "Salzburg" that would make the spirit of Mozart surely giggle with glee. How about the enigmatically reverberating science fictive "Dr Who"? or the sweeping "Sendlinger's Song", where Angharad channels some incredible vocal moments (as she does throughout this set list), propelled by a rippling percussive association. Before the stunning encore ("Willow's Song") which is an absolute masterpiece vocal presentation that would easily rival the works of Brightman, Haslam, Bush, Hogg etc?, "Sanctuary Part 2" will culminate the prog sandwich, consolidating the sheltering wholeness as well as the intrinsic ingredients proposed. As some meddling prog band from the darker side once claimed:" Wish You Were Here".

A world class concert that begs to be heard, over and over again. 4.5 sheltering skies