DIVINITIES - TWELVE DANCES WITH GOD

This is my favorite of Ian Anderson's solo albums. It is by no means prog folk. It may not actually be prog. What it is, is a light classical collection of flute-based tunes. It's almost new age, but any time it appears to be getting too light, if you listen closely, there is an intricacy in the arrangements that make it more than new age.

The songs are primarily eastern (mainly Indian) influenced, with a peppering of other classical stylings mixed in. Ian Anderson's playing is perfect for each melody, interesting, yet subdued. His solos are intoxicating, even without the high energy he often infuses into his Tull recordings. The orchestrations by Anderson and Andrew Giddings are beautiful and lush.

I had the good fortune to listen to this while driving to work early this morning. It made it a perfect day from the start.