FANTASY BRIDGE

Mark Green's 'Fantasy Bridge' tells a beautiful story, not only through its music, but through the circumstances in which it was made. After winning a battle against cancer, this veteran keyboardist went through an existential awakening. No longer could he let time go to waste; as he states in his Prog Archives interview; it wasn't right to put a dream aside until a certain time, because there was never an assurance that the 'time' would ever be there. As someone myself who has stifled their creative ambitions for too long, this story is one that really moves me, as well as one that sets the stage perfectly for 'Fantasy Bridge'. As a direct antithesis to the feelings he went through during his ordeal with cancer, Green compiles a very cheerful collection of songs here, some formed with ideas that Green has had cooking for decades now. Mark Green and his company have some really great music here on a song-to-song basis, but as an overall album, 'Fantasy Bridge' still feels lacking in some respects.

Recorded with Green's home studio, the music has been produced quite well, although it lacks the polish of a professional recording. Mark Green is a musician who has been accumulating knowledge over the past few decades, and his experience as a composer and project leader are evident. There is a host of musicians here, including people he met through the web. Instrumentally, Green's diverse keyboard work stands out. While the pianos could have used some added atmosphere, he delivers some fantastic synth solos, particularly on the album's highlight; "Children Of A Forgotten Sun". Saxophonist Wim Koopman's solo on the Vangelis-soundalike track 'Quiescence' is also splendid. The vocals on this album come from a number of different singers, and the harmonies here are beautifully done. Green's voice is somewhat plain, but his delivery is warm and full of sincerity.

From song to song, it is clear that Mark Green has plenty of ideas in his head, and he is quite good at getting these concepts out onto a final product as well. 'Song to song' also appears to be the best way to approach 'Fantasy Bridge'. As a whole, the album feels like its missing something great; most notably a sense of flow and togetherness. Each song- including the soothing instrumentals- brings something fresh to the table, but as a whole, I am left with little overall impression as to what 'Fantasy Bridge' was all about, musically. There is sequenced electronica, space rock, symphonic prog, alternative rock and pop, and while Green executes each of these well, 'Fantasy Bridge' would have benefited greatly from a stronger sense of direction.

'Fantasy Bridge' is a personal and warm album from a man who truly cares about his music, and it certainly reflects in the work he does. As an album, it is a little patchy, but from my knowledge, Green is already working on a second album, so I look forward to hearing what he does next with his music.

Share this MARK GREEN review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Conor Fynes
• Report this review (#585465)
• Buy MARK GREEN music online with PA partners
• Show all MARK GREEN MP3/Stream
• Go to MARK GREEN page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Fantasy Bridge page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for MARK GREEN related discussions