The Balm of Nostalgia
Robert Carlberg | Seattle | 12/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In a short period of time Jakko's birth mother, adoptive mother and father all passed away, leaving him feeling understandably adrift. Music is therapy for this multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer and son-in-law of Michael Giles, so we listeners get to benefit from his bruises.
Disc one is a suite of songs dealing with loss, passage of time, life changes, forgiveness and acceptance. It is joyeously melancholic without becoming lugubrious, and like his earlier "The Road to Ballina" features sophisticated melodies and orchestration to tell a sobering story. Music so gravitas is rarely this pleasant to listen to, with stirring themes, excellent solos from guitar, sax and piano, and tempered, well-sung lyrics. A who's who of British prog-rock legends aid the effort -- Robert Fripp, Mel Collins, Dave Stewart, Hugh Hopper, Clive Brooks, John Giblin and others -- although the guide tracks by Jakszyk and drummer Gavin Harrison are more-than-equal to the company.
And that's just disc one.
Disc two, the liner notes inform us, consists of songs that "had an enormous effect on me back in the 1970s" from Henry Cow, Soft Machine and King Crimson. With the aid of the same stellar cast of musical guests, these tracks provide nothing less than a revisitation and update of some of the vast legacy of British progressive rock. "Comfort food" for the ears, yes, but also a hopeful look forward, a celebration of the best in life and the good that can come of less-than-ideal circumstances."
Best of 2006!
CrimZap | Southeast, USA | 02/02/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Now, I know that is saying a lot and I am an avid music listener of many kinds of music. I am sorry that more people do not know of this man who did the lead singing and guitar playing for the 21st Century Schizoid Band. If you run across this, don't hesitate. Even if it doesn't become your favorite out of 2006, it will become a clear overall wonderful, inspiring listen."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1