PAUL BRETT SAGE

Originally conceived as a sort of acid folk duo consisting of Brett and percussionist Bob Voice, the eventual quartet called Paul Brett’s Sage should have erupted on the musical scene of 1970; why this album is not revered as a classic today is beyond my comprehension. At the time Brett was coming off a stint as lead guitarist for the adventurous (but short-lived) Fire, whose 'The Magic Shoemaker' LP flopped commercially but would become well sought-after by progressive rock fans in later decades. Brett had also appeared on the Strawbs’ ‘Dragonfly’ album around the same period.

Brett struck out on his own to open the seventies, bringing along Voice and Dick Dufall from Fire along with flautist Nicky Higginbottom under the banner of Paul Brett’s Sage. While the band would record three studio releases, this first one holds a special place with its solid production and melding of styles that range into rock, blues and jazz with hints at time of flamenco and classic guitar thanks to the young but adept fingers of Brett’s 6- and 12-string guitars, Higginbottom’s meandering flute and understated sax, and some very period- appropriate percussion off the hands of Bob Voice. There’s also some tasty but uncredited electric keyboard work, particularly on “Mediterranean Lazy Heat Wave” and the jaunty “Where have all the Cowboys Gone” (not to be mistaken for the later Paula Cole tune of the same name).

Other highlights of the album include the acid number “Trophies of War” which one has to wonder whether Marc Bolan may have spun a few times prior to embarking on his ‘Futuristic Dragon’ period; the driving “Warlock” with Brett’s wildly unrestrained freaky guitar solos; and the back-to-back melancholy of “The Sun Died” and the apocalyptic “The Tower”, with Brett giving an early glimpse of the 12-string dexterity that would become his trademark in later years.

No tracks are wasted here, and despite the fact this record is over 40 years old it retains an appeal that makes the music still relevant today. Recent reissues make this (and all the Sage albums) accessible to all, and I for one would highly recommend that progressive music fans as well as anyone who cherishes the sounds of that period to seek out Paul Brett’s Sage and give them a listen. Four stars without a doubt.

peace