THE LIFE OF THE HONEY BEE AND OTHER MOMENTS OF CLARITY

An album of highly emotional, confessional, even reverential songs. One of the finest crafted albums of 2020.

1. "The Life of the Honeybee and Other Moments of Clarity" (12:38) a smooth, gorgeous, STEELY DAN-like gallivant through melodic bliss. The only flaw with this beautifully sounding song is that it could use some dynamic changes--even subtle ones (other than introducing soloists). Otherwise, this is one of my top five favorite LP songs of 2020. (23.5/25)

2. "One Small Soul" (5:52) part VAN MORRISON, part BRUCE HORNSBY or ANDREW GOLD, part GARTH BROOKS, this one has a bluesy Country-Western sound and feel to it--even the story the lyrics tell. It has a nice little interlude in the third and fourth minutes before returning to the opening form. (8.5/10)

3. "Arran Shores" (2:40) a solo steel-string acoustic guitar instrumental that sounds like a Windham Hill guitar piece. (4.25/5)

4. "Summerlong" (5:22) piano opens and establishes a DAN FOGELBERG "Same Old Lang Syne" ballad. It's very pretty, very well arranged (with strings) and touching lyrically. At 3:15 drums and bass kick in to launch the song in a new direction. Chunky bass and soaring synth solo definitely gives it that proggy feel. At 4:25, though, it returns to the opening piano with vocal to the end. (8.75/10)

5. "Sepia and White" (13:38) don't let those opening sounds turn you away, this song develops into quite a nice, well-constructed and, as par for the album, emotional song. (25.75/30)

6. "The Light Shines Out" (6:16) BLUE NILE-like drum machine with low synth wash opens the song before recorder solos. The Blue Nile reference is enhanced by the Robbie Robertson-like voice that sings the lyrics but the real ticket to seal the fact of this being a Blue Nile tribute is the use of many Blue Nile catch phrases throughout the song's lyrics--like "closing time," "headlights shining," "ticker tape parade," "radio waves," and many others. And I haven't even mentioned the other instrumental riffs and sounds that come straight out of Blue Nile songs. I can't think of a better band to pay tribute to--especially as its one that seems to receive far less praise or credit than it deserves. (9.25/10)

A pristinely composed, performed, and rendered album (one of the best sounding albums of 2020). Also, this album presents an ensemble of truly heart-felt and heart-wrenching songs--which seems rare in Prog World.

B+/4.5 stars; a near-masterpiece and a very welcome addition to the Crossover/Folk side of Prog World.