BY THE DARK OF LIGHT

Shaun Guerin played the Peter Gabriel part in the LA Genesis tribute band, the Cinema Show. Guerin also worked with Clearlight Symphony and is the vocalist on Ken Jaquess' K2 project. Shaun Guerin died at the age 41.

I wanted to score this a bit higher, but instead I'll play it safe. Shaun Guerin's music will be classified strictly by his vocal stylings, which are so similar to Peter Gabriel that those comparisons are inevitable and unfortunate. The depth of his work may not be appreciated. This disc features mostly instrumental music, all composed and performed by Guerin, except for guitar on one track. These instrumental pieces range in variety and intensity from filler prog wandering to full out prog-fusion jams. Aside from the Genesis influence, I can pick out some Yes-isms, a bit of Hatfield and King Crimson. Very eclectic and well played.

Sing My Prayers is a very spiritual and emotional tune with a very strong Phil Collins drum feel, as Guerin pounds the toms with passion and power. She's Sad has a beautiful melody line and heart wrenchingly plaintive vocals. This is not My World has strong Genesis vibe to every nuance, almost a lost tune from 1973. France begins with a piano intro and the synths carry the tune throughout. Run to Fall reminds me of Gazeuse era Gong with mallet percussion and Morlien styled syncopated drumming. The album closer, Crazy, is also reminiscent of that era. Son of Gorp and No Misery show Guerin's instrumental prowess and display vivid imagery in the melodies.

The album cover art, designed by long time Genesis collaborator, Paul Whitehead, is wonderful. The disc is enhanced and offers some special features. Three "hidden" MP3's can be accessed through your PC.

I would recommend this disc to fans of classic prog and jazz-rock fusion, with a heavy prog influence. There is nothing heavy about this music; metal heads will probably find it boring.