TOLTEC

First of all, let me introduce Carlos Castaneda and his books about the "alternate realities" to those who are too young for this kind of things. Carlos was a student in ethnology who got in touch with a Yaqui sorcerer and wrote a number of books about psychedelic experiences in the desert of Sonora (Mexico) later moving to a fully philosophical/esotheric level. It's not a surprise that Jon Anderson embraces this side of the newage philosophy, and it's not the first time that he takes inspiration from Castaneda as "Journey To Ixtlan" is the title of both a Castaneda book and an Anderson's song.

This is the main reason why we can hear sorcerer's voices and American Indian ethnic parts in this album, together with the usual Anderson's songs made of major chords and positive feelings.

Without going track by track, this is mainly a newage album but is also extremely good and the ethnic parts add something to songs that would have probably been too repetitive or "positive" without. The second track "Quick Words" is an example. It concentrates a number of themes and ideas in less than three minutes. Is it prog too? I think yes. As much as "Brother of Mine" on ABWH is prog bu regardless the labels it's good.

All the songs here are well arranged and Jon is seconded at the vocals by Deborah Anderson, the one to whom the homonymous song from Private Collection is dedicated and one of the few persons in the world able to sing with the same vocal of Jon but one octave higher, however there's plenty of vocalists in the lineup.

I have liked a lot the sax of Paul Haney on "Semati Siyonpme" that's one of the most ethnic songs, but there are many good things in this album and also some unexpected dark moments like the short "Good Day Morning".

Give a read to "in Teachings of Don Juan" before spinning this album up. You don't have to believe to what's in the book, just set your mind on the right level of consciousness and enjoy.