THE BEST OF PETER BANKS'S HARMONY IN DIVERSITY

I must say this is somewhat overloaded, and confusing maybe, when you're trying to consider the manifold Peter Banks legacy releases that came out in recent times. I mean, 2019 already saw a 6-CD-Box(!) compilation, consisting of all HARMONY IN DIVERSITY recordings ever I would assume. Also including diverse live excerpts, entirely in the sense of completeness. And now solely two years later here we have a new best-of selection available, yet compressed to one compact disc. Anyway, it's definitely worth it to be concerned with this exceptional guitarist. 'The Best Of Peter Banks's Harmony In Diversity' certainly is a recommended starting point. He once began his career together with Chris Squire in the band The Syn, then being co-founder of the initial Yes incarnation. But HARMONY IN DIVERSITY had its kick-off much later, around the year 2004, also featuring Andrew Booker (drums) and Nick Cottam (bass).

Hence they were a classic rock trio regarding the used instrumentation. The group has worked out a large repertoire of improvised instrumentals within the next years. As for that you will have the chance to experience a slightly differing Peter Banks approach on this occasion. Surely helpful to release him a bit from his insider tip role. Like already mentioned, it's all completely instrumental, in opposite to the band Empire, which for example also saw co-writer and lead vocalist Sydney Foxx taking part. A more than one hour lasting and rather eclectic ride, fusion-laden more or less, but also experiencing a few moments provided with psychedelic and space rock ambience. Banks's multi-varianted and experimental guitars are cruising all over the place, taken for granted.

Exemplarily to name the extended slow-tempo sample Bruno where he conjures diverse unusual tones up in a row, be it keyboard alike or just imitating an ambulance sirene and so on ... Prelusion is showcasing a proper Talking Heads drive, guitars close to a Gentle Giant respectively King Crimson appearance and Nick Cottam supplies some fine propelling bass playing. And then Gallopsiding turns out to be a gently gliding space tune on the contrary. Just like it is when operating with Sanguine Hum, Booker's drumming is pleasantly accentuated and variable. Towards the end the album runs into a less inspired direction a tad. Nonetheless I would say that this is a very recommend addition to every well-sorted progressive rock collection.