TOLTEC

Do I like this new-age, spiritual mambo-jambo? Surprisingly, I do! I usually don't like this type of thing, but this one it quite enjoyable. The feeling of this album is not too far away from Olias Of Sunhillow and fans of that album will probably like this one as well. You could also say that this album has something of a Mike Oldfield sound and feeling to it. However, you should not expect an electric guitar fest, or indeed you should not expect a rock album here - this is not a Yes album!

Rather, this music is inspired by world-music with some slight rock and pop influences. But this doesn't mean that it is monotonous or repetitive. There are some louder bits, and the many instruments and great melodies involved keep it interesting throughout.

The keyboards on some passages remind slightly of the Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe album, but they are not as elaborated (of course, since this in not Wakeman playing!).

The vocals are exceptional (as always) as is the production of the album.

Toltec is one of the best of Jon Anderson's solo albums and certainly to be preferred (by prog fans at least) over anything he did with Vangelis.

Essential only for fans of Jon Anderson, but a good addition to any prog collection.