SKY

"Sky" is the debut full-length studio album by UK/Australian progressive rock act Sky. The album was released through the Arista Records/Ariola labels in May 1979. Sky is a bit of a supergroup formed by classical guitarist/composer John Williams and bassist Herbie Flowers (Blue Mink, T. Rex). The two soon recruited drummer Tristan Fry (an in demand session drummer in the 60s/70s among other projects) and keyboard player Francis Monkman (Curved Air). The last to join was guitarist Kevin Peek (James Taylor Move, New Seekers, Cliff Richards...etc.), completing the quintet lineup.

Stylistically the material on the six tracks, 36:48 minutes long album is a soft, classical music influenced and fully instrumental progressive rock style. While there are sections with rock drumming, this is predominantly mellow and atmospheric music dominated by Williams acoustic guitars and sometimes the electric guitar playing of Peek. The three remaining guys in the band have a more supporting role, although all have their moments to shine. It´s generally pretty simple music with easily accessible melodies, so although Sky consists of one technically proficient musician after another, it´s not complex playing of unconventional time-signatures which are in focus. It´s not terribly different from the light-weight progressive rock of Camel from the late 70s/early 80s, just without vocals.

The album features five normal length songs (all around 3-4 minutes long) and the 19:22 minutes long "Where Opposites Meet". "Sky" is well produced but upon conclusion it´s an album which to my ears serves best as pleasant (but a bit uneventful) atmospheric background music rather than music for those interested in musical details and progressive ideas. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.

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