THE DANCER

When I purchased the cassette of Gary Boyle "The Dancer" on 6 December 1981 in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, I had no idea at all who Gary Boyle was. Remember at that time there was no internet and basically no music magazine that could tell me any artist. But as the artwork was so proggy, I purchased the cassette anyway that costed me quite cheap, only Rp. 1.200,-. I was surprised with the kind of music Gary Boyle played and wondered who he was until a friend of mine told me that he was a lead guitarist of Isotope. Isotope? I had no clue at all with this band so, I was still blind about the artist. But ... I kept playing the cassette until now.

Only this morning I realized that this artist is finally featured here in this wonderful progressive music site on planet earth ever - the ProgArchives. I am so happy knowing this artist is featured here as his music is really progressive with some sort of jazz-rock fusion style. I am so impressed with the title track "The Dancer" where the stunning guitar playing by Gary Boyle is combined beautifully with tight basslines of Steve Shone. His music is actually not quite unique as compared with other jazz-rock style prog music. However, his guitar playing can be considered as unique. He also plays great acoustic guitar work like in "Lullaby for a Sleepy Dormouse ". The music is nicely composed and what makes it excellent is his unique acoustic guitar work that in some segments remind me to the work of Al Di Meola. The only difference is that Al usually use the low notes strings while here Boyle use that high register notes. It's a nice track. "Pendle Mist" is another track where he uses great acoustic guitar work. The opening track "Cowshed Shuffle" is also an excellent track demonstrating great guitar work and tight basslines by Doni Harvey. I also love very much the jazz-rock fusion style in relatively uptempo music "Apple Crumble". I think this composition is truly a masterpiece as all instruments demonstrate their contribution in a balance way: the drums, the bass as well as keyboard are all great!!! This is my all-time favorite track.

Overall, this is a gem that this site should have included it since the beginning. Well, I know that this is a rare collection as the CD is not available easily and I only got the cassette version. Keep on proggin' ...!!!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW