THE DANCER

Indian-born British guitarist Gary Boyle, formerly of Isotope, goes solo. On this, his first album, he gathers behind him a veritable who's who of UK prog and fusion artists to create an album of blended Third and Fourth Waves Jazz-Rock Fusion styles.

A1. "Crowshed Shuffle" (5:08) great skills on display on this song that feels like something between JAN HAMMER and GEORGE DUKE. Great drumming from Simon Phillips and almost-Percy-Jones-bass from Doni Harvey not to mention the majestic presence of Rod Argent on MiniMoog and Brand X's Robin Lumley on Fender Rhodes and other keyboard sounds. Rod's MiniMoog soloing dominates the first three minutes of the song--and it is great! When Gary's guitar finally takes over in the lead, his picking/plucking style and sound and fiery runs are quite reminiscent of that of the great Larry Coryell. Rod and Gary duel it out for the final 45 seconds before the song is, sadly, faded out. (9/10)

A2. "The Dancer" (7:30) some quirky, funky music over/within which Gary tries to Al Di MEOLA us. I love the rhythm guitar-like clavinet play of Dave McCrae here. Bassist Steve Shone (someone heretofore unknown to me) is quite excellent--shining very brightly in a long solo during the third and fourth minutes. A very good song despite traveling a rather whimsical, mercurial route. (13.25/15)

A3. "Now That We're Alone" (1:30) beautiful EBERHARD WEBER-like bass and electric piano. (4.675/5)

A4." Lullaby for a Sleepy Dormouse (for Georgie)" (5:25) gorgeous Smooth Jazz motif over which Gary does some very nice EARL KLUGH-like nylon string guitar playing. (8.75/10)

B1. "Almond Burfi" (5:02) another cute, quirky, funky ABAC form that relies on one or two chords for structure per motif. Cute clavinet and bass teamwork while Gary solos in both Larry Coryell jazz and rock styles. At 3:45 the drums suddenly shift, taking us into a new synth-led proggy motif within which we fade out. (8.75/10)

B2. "Pendle Mist" (5:40) cymbals, bass, and Fender Rhodes take the first 1:45 to create a very mysterious, sexy, and spacious late-night motif which Gary finally joins playing in his Al Di Meola-sounding acoustic guitar. It's a really nice piece for the space that allows the musician and listener plenty of time to hear the nuanced skills of these mature performers. I love the fact that everyone seems to hold value for the mood their setting rather than move into some of the flashy soloing that they might be craving. Beautiful. I know I'd play this on repeat around midnight for a ruminative sit in my NYC penthouse apartment if I had one. (9.33333/10)

B3. "Apple Crumble" (3:18) fast near-disco funk over which synthesized guitar, Fender Rhodes, and othe r synth sounds add their two or three cents. It flies, it excites, it entertains. (9/10)

B4. "Maiden Voyage (for Brian Auger)" (4:15) very nice, smooth, two-chord that sounds strikingly like Captain & Tennille's "The Way I Want to Touch You" over which Gary solos on his plug-in-miked acoustic guitar before switching to his electric for some more Larry Coryell-like melodic guitar shredding. I love the WES MONTGOMERY-like gentle chord play that takes us out during the fadeout. (8.875/10)

Total Time 37:48

In my humble opinion, Gary excels as an acoustic guitarist while his electric guitar playing, though excellent, sounds as if he is playing as a Larry Coryell clone. Despite this "flaw," the music here is quite excellent--often containing very high musical skill--and eminently enjoyable.

B+/4.5 stars; a near-masterpiece of Third and Fourth Wave Jazz-Rock Fusion that would be an excellent addition to any prog lover's music collection.