THE OLD ROAD

Martin Orford is one of the leading figures in neo prog zone and aswell one of co founders of excellent IQ in early '80s. Also he was part of Jadis and aswell has a solo career. He releases under his name 2 albums, one in 2000 and second offer is coming later on in 2008 named The old road. Sadly, this is his last album he ever wrote or participate in, because he decided to anounced his farewell to musical bussines after 30+ years career. The old road is a solid melodic neo prog album with AOR elements thrown in .The line up is brilliant, the musicians involved here are among the best in bussines, among others Gary Chadler from Jadis, Nick D'Virgilio, Jogh Wetton, David LOngton from Big Big Train, his mate from IQ Mike Holmes and more. The music is well balanced, performed, a mature work with each instrument at full capacity plus Orford keyboards shining from start to finish. The opening Grand design is for sure a winner, the pieces is clocking around 10 min and is a pure joy to listen and I think the best from here. All in all for me a great one, sadly his last musical document. Martin Orford remaining one of the most inteligent keybordist from prog zone in last 30 years. A well desearved 4 stars from me, nice art work.