Synthesizes cool jazz, world music, minimalism, and heavy pr
Jeffrey J.Park | Massachusetts, USA | 10/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Released in 1974 this is certainly one of the more interesting albums I have come across. Largely the product of a collaboration between Jon Field and Tony Duhig, the music on this album is an interesting synthesis of cool jazz, world music, some minimalism, and a bit of heavy prog rock. I actually like this combination very much and find that the group fits neatly under the progressive umbrella - which seems to get larger with every new band I discover.
The core musicians on this album include Jon Field (harp, gong, glockenspiel, vibes,alto/concert and Japanese flutes, conga drums, bell tree, African talking drum, cello, piano, Hammond organ, and acoustic guitar); Tony Duhig (acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitar, piano, glockenspiel, Hammond organ, and vibes). Supporting them are the Orpington Junior Girls Choir; Coldridge Good (string bass); Chris Carran and Graham Deacon (drums); David Duhig (electric guitar); Skaila Kanga (harp); and Martha Mdenge (spoken words on Quba). While all of the musicians are very good, there is not a lot of grandstanding, although it is fun to hear them rock out every so often with the electric instruments.
The ten tracks are fairly short, but seem to flow together into one large suite of sorts. In general, the music ranges from quiet and meditative passages played on acoustic instruments such as flutes, acoustic guitars and a suite of percussion instruments to heavy proggy sections complete with thunderous drum parts and heavily distorted (ear splitting) electric guitars. The combination works very well and makes for an exceptionally interesting listen. There are also some very nice spacey passages too (Clouds and Rainflower are great examples of this) that provide nice contrast.
All in all, Jade Warrior is an exceptional prog band that is criminally underappreciated. Floating World is very highly recommended along with Waves (1975); Kites (1976); and Way of the Sun (1978). All four albums can be purchased at one time on the 1995 compilation Elements: The Island Anthology. Although it is out of print and pretty expensive even used, it is still cheaper than buying all four remastered albums."