TIME HONOURED GHOSTS

What hides beneath this superb sleeve?

BJH was a high quality symphonic rock and songwriting band of the seventies. Their symphonic vision influences others around them, but they never made a masterpiece themselves. The main ingredients of the music of BJH is the emotional song-writing with the acoustic and electric guitars and symphonic/pastoral sounds. This crossover prog impact of the made BJH an interesting bands for proggers. The music isn't about innovation, it's isn't about sophistication. The focus is on the beauty of the professional rock songs.

On Time Honoured Ghosts the song-writing is strong and the recording polished. I must say I recently regained interest in the music when I got my new pick-up element and my new speakers. Normally I don't like polished recordings, but BJH made it a profession and it makes their music very relaxing. The acoustic guitars play the nice chord progressions, whilst the slightly distorted electric guitars often play simple, yet effective melodies. The keyboard sounds of the band are amazing. The vocals are personal and remind me a bit of Crosby, Stills Nash and Young. The vocal harmonies are a real attraction on some songs.

The one problem with this record is fact that is doesn't stand out on some aspects. The song- writing is catchy, but a bit cheesy at times. The melodies are fine, but never innovative. The question arises, how important is this well-played song-based record for fans of the progressive genre? Is it perhaps a bit boring at times? It depends on you. If you can accept this light symphonic form of prog with it's emotional song-writing it might please you very much. It surely sounds very professional and the production is no less than brilliant.

Conclusion. This record is recommended to fans of the band, the crossover prog genre and those who have enjoyed the song-writing of the seventies/late sixties. For me this an album I won't listen to very often, but I won't deny it's quality. Three stars.

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