JABBERWOCKY

CLIVE NOLAN's colaboration with -Rick Wakeman's eldest son- OLIVER WAKEMAN begun through their meeting on a radio show of Mike Portnoy. WAKEMAN sent NOLAN some of his ideas on tapes and after a few meetings,they decided to join forces on an ambitious project.The two keyboardists worked on a cinematic and epic style of progressive rock,which was to be entitled ''Jabberwocky'' after the eponymous poem of Lewis Carroll.The work was released in 1999 on Arena's Label,Verglas.

Featuring a number of important guests both on vocals and the instrumental section, such as Peter Gee, Peter Banks, Ian Salmon and Tracy Hitchings, ''Jabberwocky'' ended up to be a grandiose keyboard-led album, borrowing elements from symphonic music, soundtrack music and neo progressive rock.A modern version of RICK WAKEMAN's early epic symphonic prog style is also a good comparison.The album is filled with the beautiful keyboard work of the two musicians,who change their approach all the time.Classical piano and new agey atmospheric synthesizers are combined with the guests' voices to create deep emotions of a tale-atmosphere to the listener.Some times a medieval/renaissance nostalgic color will come to surface,even some harpsichord is used for that aim.For thos who can't get a minute off the progressive rock board, don't hesitate:There is much of our beloved music in here with fiery solos and nice grooves by the guitar players,a very good bass work and some dynamic drumming.Finally I think NOLAN and WAKEMAN came very to close to achieve the project's purpose: ''Jabberwocky'' is an epic, story-telling tale of progressive rock with a good balance between keyboard-driven music and progressive rock.Both an interesting musical experience and addition in your collection!