THE MAGIC OF IT ALL

My God, one could go bonkers trying to figure out the riddle behind this latest Strawbs outing. Particularly in trying to figure out why veteran Strawbs members Dave Lambert and Chas Cronk, on lead guitar and bass respectively, are missing from the album's lineup, as are one of the two veteran rotating drummers of either Rod Coombes or Tony Fernandez. This rendition of Dave Cousins' Strawbs consists of Cousins himself on acoustic guitar and vocals, former keyboardist Blue Weaver, along with former member John Ford, who is credited with lead vocals on only one CD bonus song while not contributing instrumentally. Both have not been official members for at least 17 years in Weaver's case, and more in Ford's case as he bailed out back in the 70's. More mystery to boggle the mind. And don't get me started on the album cover art.

I'm going to guess the obvious and say that this album started life as a Cousins' solo album, with heavy input from Weaver in producing and arranging, with parent record company Esoteric probably having pushed Dave into branding the album a Strawbs recording. Strawbs being a much bigger and familiar name than David Cousins, that's for sure. And Ford's name was tossed in to make it look more like a proper Strawbs album.

The album was recorded in Cape Town, South Africa, with a cast of crack South African studio musicians and the mix does turn out well. The lead off track "Ready (Are We Ready)" is the most Strawbs sounding, with Weaver's bombastic mellotron and organ blasted into the sound mix after the song's catchy choruses. A nice beginning that also features a wonderfully rhythmic drum and bass interplay throughout the song. The title track "The Magic Of It All" is an introspective as well as retrospective ballad that is quite poignant given Dave's serious health issues of late. It's melodically quite beautiful and Weaver's keyboard work is exquisitely understated but hitting all the cues that an emotional ballad like this requires. Again, it's beautiful. "All Along The Bay" is a jazzy lounge like song that features multiple saxophone parts. It's nothing to get excited about but breaks up the serious mood with its fun lyrics and bouncy rhythms. "Everybody Means Something to Someone" and "Our World" are more heartfelt introspective songs which feature rich female vocal harmonies (a first for a Strawbs' album) and lush musical arrangements. They are not as strong as the album's two opening songs but still enjoyable.

"The Time Has Come (for Giving Back)" is a catchy rocker with slashing guitar chords and and a hook laden chorus by Dave and the girls. It's another stand out track. "Slack Jaw Alice" is a goofy throwaway song that showcases the album's musicians, especially the rhythm section, who really swing when required. "Paris Nights" is an atmospheric song about Paris at night, naturally, with accordion supplied by Weaver. The first on a Strawbs album. It's the subtleties in the arrangements that keeps the song interesting. "Wiser Now" is another introspective ballad of someone who has lived, learned and is grateful to have done so. As someone battling through a life threatening illness this song, like several others here, no doubt reflects Cousins' wistful state of mind. A perfect album closer. The two bonus tracks found on the CD edition are nice, and the John Ford written and sung "Christmas Ghosts" features an other worldly lyrical twist. Both songs are worth having. The album is beautifully recorded, mixed and mastered by Weaver and is well polished without sounding too slick. And Cousin's vocals are superb throughout.

For an album with so many question marks, no folky acoustic guitar interplay and a lack of any prog songs, it's incredibly enjoyable on it's own terms. Truth be told, this album is not light years away from its predecessor in both style and execution. And perhaps that's the real magic of it all. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.