IN THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN

This double CD captures Annie Haslam, Michael Dunford and Terence Sullivan joined by Rave Tesar, Mickey Simmonds and David Keyes. It was recorded on March 16th in Tokyo in front of a very appreciative audience (although as usual for Japanese crowds they are deathly quiet while the songs are being performed). The use of two keyboard players mean that the band can stretch their musical wings, although with the amazing vocals of Annie it is rare that the band get to prove what they are capable of.

Annie Haslam has one of the most wonderful voices within modern popular music, with probably only Maddy Prior able to still command such a powerful range and clear tone for over thirty years. The band seem content to work together to provide the perfect backdrop, which allows Annie to let her voice soar. They perform their one 'hit' "Northern Lights" as well as a cover of "Moonlight Shadow" but such is the quality of the music that even someone who doesn't know any of the songs will enjoy it immensely the very first time. When Annie decides to sing high she really does, so that the listener just can't believe what they are hearing.

The only way to describe some of this music is that if angels were on earth then they would sound like Annie. When the band get the chance to stretch as they do on the second CD they also prove that they have a great deal to offer and it is to their credit that they don't try to overpower Annie at any time. The production is top class and this is an album of great beauty and majesty that I heartily recommend.

Originally appeared in Feedback #71, Dec 02