CAPTURE LIGHT

It is always a revelation when you land on some new hidden talent, an impulse that makes the hunt for musical stimulation oh so attractive. Therefore, I religiously follow certain progressive rock pundits whom I not only respect, but I also trust their well-crafted words in defining some style that I might feel comfortable with. Drew (aka BrufordFreak) is a long-time colleague who has introduced so many otherwise unknown to me artists, I am left with only the luxury of scouring the net, finding the target and clicking the "purchase" button. Such is the case with John Holden , a British musician who has recently released 2 intricate opuses, loaded to the gills with famous artists to guest on both the 2018 debut 'Capture Light' as well as the stunning sophomore 'Rise and Fall'. One word: IMPRESSIVE!

"Capture Light" sets the wheels in motion with the stirring "Tears from the Sun" , a 9 minute historical hymn that is a grandiose as one would hope for, guided by the lush voice of Joe Payne of The Enid fame, easily one of the UKs most powerful vocalist. Holden is aided by a duo of Olivers: Wakeman on piano and keys as well as Day on mandolin and guitar. The main theme is utterly memorable, sounding pleasant and familiar, an exhilarating entrance, to say the least.

When I first heard "Crimson Sky" , it did not do anything for me, as it was a change of direction that caught me quite by surprise, a traditional melody that harkens back to Oldfield's poppier albums featuring Maggie Reilley, here sung by Julie Gater. The chorus has a "I must have heard this somewhere before" feel, Billy Sherwood takes a lead guitar solo and its fun, quirky and addictive. In fact, I cannot seem to get that melody out of my head, damn musical drugs! The stately title track returns to more medieval stylistics, with piano, lute and acoustic guitar at the forefront, relating to Venice and its grand masters of art. Both Olivers do another tour de force, but Joe Payne really steals the show with an absolute operatic performance of a cathedral melody that is just magic as he hits the high notes like no other. Shivers down the spine.

"Ancient of Days" is more vocal oriented with Mystery's Marc Pageau on lead microphone, with the immense talent of Marc Atkinson (my current favourite vocalist), Julie Gater and Lee-Anne Beecher all on backing vocals. Prog choir extravaganza, a melody that sinks in immediately, very British and gospel at the same time. The music shifts to a more blues feel, the drums are held down brilliantly by Emily Dolan Davies, and John delivers some terrific licks on stinging electric guitar.

A big surprise comes up next "One Race", a wordplay on Jesse Owens in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, overcoming both internal and external racial prejudice in an overt Aryan superiority context with swastikas galore, and doing so with dignity and courage. Joe Payne delivering another stellar delivery, amid sound bites of crowd noise and oppressive Wagnerian fanfare. Lyrically poignant, musically expressive, this is another real gem.

Spoken intro on "Dreamcatcher", introduces a stylistic shift, closer to New Age explorations, seasoned with Native Indian influences, with Peter Jones guesting on flute and sax. The bass and the guitar also thrive in the arrangement as the solid drums shuffle gently along. Soothing little ditty.

And the fantastic pieces keep on coming with "No Man's Land", a jazzier universe where drums are handled by Gary O'Toole, a long time Steve Hackett member, while Julie Gater takes over the lead vocal duties once again. Love the lyrics here, with delightful twists like 'a subway to Paradise'. Moody and reflective, the arrangement evokes that space between the city and the countryside in lovely fashion, a very inventive take. The album ends on "Seaglass Hearts", a lovely ballad of two hearts beating as one, saxophone on the windswept beach, a gentle farewell balm of simplicity and purity.

A world class debut by a talented composer and musician, who seemingly has the gift of surrounding himself with right-minded and enthusiastic collaborators. It certainly captured my light! Rise and Fall is next.

4.5 Glow grabs