RAFT

This has been way too long coming, in fact this is the first acoustic based album from Nigel Mazlyn Jones in thirteen years, I just hope that we don't have to wait so long for the next one! This contains his trademark use of 12 string guitars and Glissando bowed techniques, and he has here been joined by some guests including Guy Evans (who has worked with NMJ for more than 30 years now) of Van Der Graaf Generator on drums and percussion, Rog Patterson on Chapman Stick, fretless bass and acoustic (and it's about time he released some new solo material as well!), Jo Lucy on violin, Oscar Morse on sax, Jim Nield on electric guitar, Rob Phillips on fretless bass, Margaret MJ on piano and Dave Reeves on harmonicas.

The only word to describe this album is "beautiful", as the listener is entranced by the sounds coming out of the speakers. There are long instrumental passages where one is taken to a new world by Nigels's deft 12-string technique, and others where they are more songs-based and the guests come in and out of the music as they play their part and then leave again. Only a few of the songs have four people involved, while three are just Nigel. For those who have never come across NMJ before, his style is a cross of Anthony Phillips and Roy Harper, with just a touch of Gong and Steve Hillage here and there. The result is a world of incredibly well-arranged music where space is a permanent fixture and one is allowed to breathe in the notes and live in NMJ's world. Inspired as ever by his love of the Cornish coast, this album is essential for anyone who enjoys great music. The last words belong to Nigel, "We sail the tiny raft of our lives and this small planet Earth is the raft that carries us all. Rafts are fragile, not permanent, and held together with hopes and dreams. So I set my sails well . . . What say you my friend, let's strike out for the ocean?" Released as a digi pak with an insert, this is truly essential. www.nigelmazlynjones.com