I’ve always been a fan of John Wetton’s work since 2001 when
I was a freshman in High School with his days from King Crimson. He has been a
busy man from day one alongside with Crimson, he worked with Asia, UK, Roxy
Music, Family, and one of my favorites from the obscure Prog-Rock gems, Mogul
Thrash. You could tell he shines through his vocals as he hits those notes
whether he plays both Bass and Guitar.
That and this 2-CD anthology set which covers his time as a
solo artist. There’s also a 15-page booklet, which contains liner notes by Nick
Shilton, which features an interview by Wetton himself and the albums, he has
done. It’s hard for me to pick which tracks on the 2-CD set because there are
32 tracks on here and I had to pick a few highlights on the anthology set which
is the first volume of the studio recordings that he’s done.
Again, mind you, I’m not a huge fan of his solo work, but
there are some centerpieces that show he’s more than just a sideman. Say It Ain’t So sees John going back
into his roots of the sound of Asia’s sole self-titled debut album. It’s almost
as if it’s a continuation of the hit classic, Heat of the Moment. But with an early 1980s AOR sound that captures
the essence of the track that has a sing-along and fanfare composition with a
stomping rhythm.
John Wetton brings some of his friends to lend a helping
hand and letting him know they got his back. With Arkangel it is a haunting ballad that deals with being on the face
of danger, but with the guardian around the people, there is hope when there is
none. Robert Fripp comes in with his guitar improvisation and sends in the
chilling notes coming in.
Elsewhere Free/Bad Company’s Simon Kirke on Drums comes into
the picture with Cold is the Night. It
is a reminiscent between Paul McCartney & Wings Venus & Furs-era and Genesis Wind & Wuthering-era. The piece has a calming yet ascending
rhythm while the ¾ Celtic Folk-waltz brings the beauty of Jacques Brel and the
Beatles music featuring Billy Sherwood (Yes) and Geoff Downes (Yes, The
Buggles) bringing the forest atmosphere on Bass and flute Keyboards for Steffi’s Ring.
Symphonic acoustical beauty comes into mind for the Real World. It deals with where we are
living right now. Even though there’s a perfect wonder, there is also a darker
side to it. And Genesis own Steve Hackett’s harmonica brings an emotional side
to the atmosphere with a Dylansque touch. And Hackett, with his guitar playing,
he plays the harmonica very well and nails it down.
I’ve listened to the 2-CD set three times now. And it’s a
very interesting compilation from start to finish. It’s more to just his work
with King Crimson and Asia, but he can write very well on his songwriting to show
his craftsmanship to the tables and see where he can come up with next. And if
you love some of the bands that I’ve mentioned in the beginning, then this will
be a perfect Hanukkah or Christmas gift to all and you might want to ask Santa
if he admires the music of John Wetton.
No comments:
Post a Comment