VELVET DARKNESS

A disappointing solo debut from an artist that would eventually become the finest fusion instrumentalist of our time, Velvet Darkness is a painfully typical 70s jazz-rock record. The material is bland, undistinguished and not memorable, and I see why Allan cites this as one of his "things I wish I hadn't recorded" along with 'Igginbottom's Wrench' and various other projects. Not until his proper first release - i.o.u., an extraordinary set with old cohort Paul Williams from his Tempest days - did he start to form the unique music he would become known for. Further, his work two years later with Bruford or U.K. is far superior in every way and you should avoid this unless you are a Holdsworth completist.