THE BOY

John Greenwood first came to my notice when I read a post by Sean Timms of Southen Empire and Unitopia fame that said and I am paraphrasing here, that John's first album 'Dark Blue' was one of the best albums that he had produced. I soon found out that John had become the new guitarist for Unitopia. I found 'Dark Blue' on Bandcamp and also saw a quote from Steve Hackett endorsing this album. One doesn't need more convincing than that. I purchased the download and listening to it, I absorbed its musical richness into my ears. John Greenwood had won me and I then purchased the CD (I prefer the physical medium).

Coming into the present is his second solo album 'The Boy'. A simple title and yet invites curiosity, what is the story of this boy?

John progresses to this concept album that follows the dreams and aspirations of this boy character. Our main character lives on a dying farm due to climate change. In the distance the boy can see rockets launching into space igniting his imagination and desire to be an astronaut.

John has created this story and album that I find reminiscent of 'Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds' or even an Ayreon album. Mark Addy, actor from 'The Full Monty' and 'Game of Thrones', brings an elegant and calm speaking voice as a narrator to the story.

John has relayed to me that the story is semi-autobiographical in the terms of themes that are surrounded by the sci-fi narrative to create further interest. "It's all about choices we make, the sacrifices we seemingly happily make, and regrets, sometimes that take a lifetime to emerge."

The album is broken into six tracks and has gathered an array of talented musicians including of course, Sean Timms with Steve Unruh (Samurai of Prog and Resistor) and legendary drummer Simon Phillips (Toto, Judas Priest, Protocol and Robert Reed). Also joining is a small orchestra that brings a full orchestral sound and cinematic aura. John's electric guitar blends with the orchestra in a fulfilling introduction giving the taste of what is to follow.

The orchestra truly plays a large part inviting the listener on this journey. John matches the orchestra with a calm and determined tone on the guitar while Sean adds synthesizer to give the sci-fi feel of space and dreams. Wonderful acoustic guitar and flute enriches and permeates complimenting the music to its fullest. John also sings the character of The Boy with conviction and belief. Emma Bartsch completes roles of the 'Girl' and the 'mother'.

The drama increases within the story as the lead character is now an adult and accepted into the space program to become an astronaut that is tearing him away from the farm and his family. The music equals the drama with sensitivity swelling to a heartfelt manner bearing the direction of the eventual rocket launch carrying the main character. This aspect highlights the conflict between his desire for space travel and the love of his home and family. I won't detail where the story ends for this project. What I will infer is that I hope there will be another chapter to follow.

John could have made this a full on guitar based album however he sees the bigger picture and incorporates all musical elements to the fore to serve his vision. His musical talent is in full display and to be admired. The writing in both story and music is first class. Beyond this he also musically arranged the whole album. Choosing the instruments for the particular points in the story is made during the writing and recording. John expressed this to me with an example, "I usually start with a melody line instrument (like flute) then write for its family (oboe, clarinet and bassoon). When the oboe player came to record , she brought a cor anglais and I asked her to replace the clarinet line at the beginning of The idea of Space." He continued, "Then I put down strings starting with an instrument I think should carry a lead line (usually cello or 1st violin). I then fill in the family from bass, through cello, viola, 2nd and finally 1st violin. Then I put in the brass starting with French Horn."

John has also brought in family members showcasing their talents including his daughter, Emma Bartsch as lead vocalist and what a rich, crystal clear voice she has, also is his son Sam eloquently playing the grand piano in track five, "The Broken Heart of the Great Machine".

I found this album exciting and outstanding. It works in both a narrative and a musical event. It gives you the feeling of when reading a good book that you don't want to finish.

I urge any fan of prog rock to purchase this musical gem or any music fan for that matter.