RICHARD BARBIERI

"Planets + Persona" is Richard Barbieri's third studio album, and a departure in many ways from his first two. He looks at the subject of "duality" on this 2017 release. His first solo album from 2004 was done all on computer with no analog keyboards in sight. He did this mainly at his home, and then worked with a drummer and bassist to finish it. Album number two from 2008 began with a rhythm section on board, but because of finances he would eventually finish that off at his home. Here on this 2017 release he adds that acoustic element and delegates more to his musician friends. Richard was more concerned about doing the arrangements on this one.

I had no idea that Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew" is one of Barbieri's favourite albums, or that MAGMA was one his favourite bands. You think you know someone. He officially joined PORCUPINE TREE in 1993 but before that he was part of JAPAN and the related RAIN TREE CROW. Richard sold a lot of his JAPAN memorabilia to fund "Planets + Persona". As he's related in the past, it's him and his wife, he has no other family, and no interest in keeping this JAPAN stuff anyways.

So after PT disbands he would eventually work with Steve Hogarth on "Not The Weapon But The Hand" from 2012. Hogarth is here some five years later along with several other vocalists including Tim Bowness, but as Barbieri relates he uses and abuses these vocals, often morphing them into textures and sounds that make who's singing often unrecognizable. Unless it's his wife Suzanne singing.

A surprisingly experimental album that is quite ambient overall. And a very manipulated recording in the sense I don't know what I'm hearing with the the use of "sound design", "omnichord" and samples from many of the guests. While Richard is quite happy with the results here, I have lots of issues with it. The one song I can cling to is "New Found Land" which starts off sounding status quo, but when the trumpet and piano arrive before a minute followed by beats, it's sounding almost normal.

Predominantly known from his contributions to Japan and their follow-up Rain Tree Crow, as well as the many-sided rock band Porcupine Tree, RICHARD BARBIERI indeed is a big player in prog terms. From time to time you will also detect him playing keyboards and/or synthesizer on albums produced by related bands respectively musicians. Released on the acclaimed Kscope label 'Under A Spell' is his latest solo effort. According to the musical vita so far you certainly can await a diversified evocative blend of impressions, including hints of Jazz, Ethno/World, Avantgarde, Ambient, Kosmische Musik, and more. Guests are always welcome, where Gothenburg based Lisen Rylander-Löve has deep impact due to her ethereal voice appearance.

Well worth a listen, a fairly good album, consistently great material according to the compositional aspect, and the realization in the same way. Some songs are really spectacular in fact. Brilliant atmosphere, equipped with Luca Calabrese's nice trumpet input the melancholic dreamy Flare 2 is provided close to a Rain Tree Crow mood. Later though the track is entering the uptempo stage, while showcasing drummer Kjell Severinsson and Axel Crone (bass) serving some real groove. Of course this is focussed on the synthesizer and piano stuff, guitars are totally rare here. Two tracks offer some acoustic feeling at least. Impressing overall, just give this a try on the label's bandcamp page.