BROKEN CHINA

Certainly, "the domino effect" caused severe damages over the big time bands of the 70's that managed to make it somehow to the early 90's, and split most of them apart. It is useless for me to go deeply into that subject and make the reminiscences of yesterday float back to the surface and look thoroughly every particular case. Instead of that, I'm just going to remain attached to what concerns me in this review, and that is undoubtedly, Mr. Rick WRIGHT.

After quitting the band commanded by Roger WATERS, the prominent keyboardist undertook an everyday battle from within in order to overcome his unsuccessful works from the past and create the ultimate production ever arranged by a musician behind the keys. I think of Rick WRIGHT as one of the most prolific keyboardist ever, all along the incomparable Pete BARDENS, multitalented Pär LINDH, skillful Mark KELLY and innovational Lalo HUBER of recently dissolved Argentinean band, NEXUS.

With "Broken China", the Londoner native of Hatch End, reveals an unbelievable musical growth he had been hiding inside and presumably, during the PINK FLOYD years. It's not surprising to think of Rick as a great instrumentalist and songwriter, he's also a devoted conductor and a committed producer. James GUTHRIE mixed this album under the assistance and direction of Anthony MOORE, and that gave Rick complete freedom to create and destroy tons of arrangements and compositions. The former Floydian member, managed somehow to have special appearances of personalities of the industry and magnificent guest musicians. Vocals by Sinead O' CONNOR on "Reaching for the Rail" and "Breakthrough"; drum performing by STING's favorite, Manu KATCHE and eloquent, astonishing guitarists from the old prog school, Tim RENWICK and Dominic MILLER; complemented modestly, this 1996 production. Need to say more?

This album is for intrepid, open-minded listeners only. It would definitely take you through unexpected mood swings, through rocky yet jazzy passages and will suck you into mystical musical depths. Adventurous, majestic and mostly written by Anthony MOORE, "Broken China" is indeed the ultimate solo work from a musician that left all behind to take serious risks.