FIRST IN A FIELD OF ONE

Alan first came to my attention when he started singing with Pallas, and then on the Strangers on a Train projects so I then worked backwards to discover his work with Abel Ganz and have always been impressed with his skills as a vocalist. Now, I'm not nearly as in touch with the UK prog scene these days as I used to be (I live on the other side of the world; that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it) but I was somewhat surprised to hear that he was no longer with Pallas, as his work with them was always of the highest quality. However, that is all in the past and now we have his first full-length solo album which see him reunited with keyboard player Mike Stobbie. Others taking part are Scott Higham (drums, percussion), Jeff Green (guitars), Kalle Wallner (guitars) and Christina Booth from Magenta on additional vocals.

It did take me quite a while to get into this album, not because it wasn't any good but rather because I wasn't quite sure what to expect but I was pretty sure that this wasn't it. In many ways this is a very laid back album with quite a folky element, almost as if Clannad have gained a male lead singer who has some prog influences combined with some Mike Oldfield. Alan is singing as well as ever, and this album is all about his vocals and being at the fore. It isn't nearly as complex or symphonic as I would have liked and possibly that is why it feels more of an opportunity missed than one taken.

"Teardrops In The Rain" is a great song that captures all that is good about the album, but is spoiled somewhat by an annoying drum pattern that I could have done without. Alan is one of the finest singers around, but while this is an enjoyable album I would much rather hear him belting out with a full prog rock band behind him.