THE LEGEND OF THE TWO STONEDRAGONS (TWA JORG-J-DRAAK SAGA)

'The Legend Of The Two Stonedragons' follows on some fourteen years since the debut. At that time the band was just one person, Myriam Sagenwells Sagliembeni (who on this recording provides vocals, guitars, bass and harp). A band was formed to play some gigs but they had disbanded by 1992. In 1993 Black Widow re-released the album, their first ever release. In 2000 Myriam formed a new band, and she has now been joined by Tina Vadal' (vocals/cymbals), Raymond Sgr' (piano, keys, bass guitar, flute, recorders) and Robert Mazza (drums). But this is now a band and Myriam shares song writing duties with Raymond.

The album is divided into two, the past and the future, and contains a complex story which ranges from fantasy to science fiction. Luckily the background and all of the lyrics are provided.One of these songs is on the Black Widow sampler which was free with #71. Musically this is quite a dreamy album, with the emphasis on delicacy instead of bombast. The vocals are extremely important with a high vocal line often being used as an instrument.

The impression is of a time gone by, and the label calls this 'Epic Folk Prog'. It is almost as if Legend had joined forces with Steeleye Span, so that even when the band try to break free they can only do so within certain constraints. Overall an interesting album, but I am not sure how often I will be returning to it. For more information about the band and their history then visit their site at www.crystalphoenix.cjb.net or the label site at www.blackwidow.it.

Originally appeared in Feedback #74, Jun 03