NORTHERN FANTASIES

Is it considered fair or unbiased to write a review for an album if you were involved in its making? I don't see why not, as long as you stay honest with yourself.

In the late 70's and early 80's I performed sound engineering duties for BUSKER both live and in the studio. Northern Fantasies existed only as a demo recording, recorded in 1975 on a 4 track reel to reel using bounce tracking. It was with great satisfaction that I finally convinced BUSKER keyboardist Steve McCann to turn this demo into a proper release. The music was slightly rearranged and a few single songs from the band's past were added to round out the Northern Fantasies album in 2007. I personally mixed, edited and mastered this release as well as photographed and designed the CD packaging.

Production :

This album was recorded at the BUSKER home studio and mixed and mastered at my own White Pine Media studio. The overall sound of the album has stayed true to its '70's roots in order to capture the mood of the pieces at the time they were written (1974). Many of the keyboard parts utilize the vintage sound that listeners of early prog may appreciate. But rest assured, the production is modern, clean and dynamic and shows what can be accomplished without a big studio budget when the music comes from the heart

16/20

Song Writing :

Northern Fantasies is comprised of 20 tracks in all, although they are presented in a 'concept album' format with most songs running into the next for a full 45 minute piece of music. I prefer to think of it more as a musical travelogue since all of the pieces are written about, or inspired by visits to various locations across the great nation of Canada. Not to mention that when originally performed live Northern Fantasies was accompanied by a multimedia stage show that included film and a slide show. This eclectic collection of music spans everything from progressive rock "Overture, Run Sun, Finale" to east coast folk "Uncle Alexander Newfoundlander, Inverness", classical "Winterlude" to jazz "Gastown" to straight ahead rock "Dangerous Dan McGrew" and just a little comic relief for good measure "Looney Bird, Lumberjack's Song (Fifi)"

17/20

Originality :

Northern Fantasies is a very original piece of music. While it's hard not to hear the influence of ELP in "Rocky Mountain Fanfare and Fugue" or Gentle Giant in the vocal stylings of "Run Sun" and "Coureurs de Bois" this is by no means a copy cat band who strives to sound like any other. While many prog listeners might associate Rush with the voice of Canadian prog, BUSKER presents a truly Canadian voice that captures the diversity of the country and its people with unmistakable originality.

20/20

Performance :

In listening to Northern Fantasies it's clear that Steve McCann and Randy Dawdy are proficient musicians (see band bio). What's refreshing is that the band doesn't suffer from DTS (Dream Theater Syndrome) or MGM (Musical Gymnastic Meanderings), that sometimes annoying habit of speedy scales to prove ones musical ability. Here BUSKER shows that they are players, being thoughtful when the mood is right "Atlantic Fisherman's Saga" or downright pompous "Finale" when it suits their purpose. Admittedly Steve is not a top gun on the guitar, but the fact that there are only two musicians to create this full symphonic sound shows what masters the are in their respective fields.

15/20

General Impressions :

Northern Fantasies is a valiant effort by an independent band that has not let the fact that a recording contract eluded them stop them from turning out some incredibly interesting and unique music. Always a band to hold high the flag of Canada, BUSKER proudly waves the maple leaf banner and serves up a nice slice of Canadiana for all to hear. This is by far the band's best overall album both for production and continuity. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to hear more of the Canadian progressive scene

17/20

Total = 85/100 (85% of 5 stars)

4.25

Share this BUSKER review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to JD
• Report this review (#263609)
• Buy BUSKER music online with PA partners
• Show all BUSKER MP3/Stream
• Go to BUSKER page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Northern Fantasies page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for BUSKER related discussions