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SWEET BILLY PILGRIM
Wapentak
(2018 - Sweet Billy Pilgrim - UK)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg2BMoy66hs

On this 5th full length release by supreme Sweet Billy Pilgrim, beware a of a big change in sound. Also be enlightened that this new style is so tender, hefty in such a beauty of its own, and pure with delivery, that the audience will be swallowed whole by its scaled down sincerity, and soul-baring bravery. The question is, since when did any of this band's output sound the exact same as the previous one anyways? So changes are the norm for the artists at hand.

Now just a duo of guitarist/singer Tim Elsenburg, and guitarist/ singer Jana Carpenter, the delicate tunes remind one of the touching melancholy of Buddy and Julie Miller (in the country crossover field), The Oh Hellos (in the alt folk/pop arena) and musically in the playground of William Grant Conspiracy, Bonnie Prince Billy w/ Harem Scarem, and a folded spread of other influences. Don't be surprised if you hear echoes of the more sombre 80's 'Meet Danny Wilson' and even a slice of Suzanne Vega or The Innocence Mission, due to Jana's sweet voice.

The music takes you deep, like the blues, or those tearfully sad Irish aires. The weight of the writing is heavy with forethought and soul searching. The songs are in vogue with the silent majority. Tim still has the huge skill of composing a striking song. Sure this can easily go to the commercial market, but if it does (and I predict it will) then we are the winners. That dull market needs this splash of new smell, great slant, and elite chance to make a difference.'The Briar Bell' (track 6) is so beautiful you may shed tears. Jana's voice is that special. And long time fans already know the magnetic voice of Tim. 'A Shelter of Reeds' (track 7) features a string quartet, which gives off even more beauty to the platter.

Eight songs, completely given in a heartfelt state of the bare my soul spirit, in a gently wrapped blanket. Brilliant and beautiful in more ways than usual, and without doubt, this is NOT usual.  On the surface it may seem so, but for the deep listeners out there like myself, it is a cherished diamond in a hill of straw. Multiple dimensions open with each additional spin. 'Wapentak' was produced and engineered by Mr. Elsenburg, and both members did all the writing and arranging. I am so glad to have found this. I have loved all the other Sweet Billy Pilgrim recordings, and I certainly love this one. A very nice gatefold physical CD package with booklet, including lyrics, credits and other details. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 2 - 2 - 2019
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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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