Riffstone - Great Journeys - Progressive Voyages Review
Riffstone (Colin Powell and Dave Allen) are very productive folks this i*s their third album in 12 months ( Richard 111, Sanctuary Sky and Mythical Creatures) and now you can add this one tonthat ever growlist if works. This one features musical interpretations of some classic “Great Journey's like The Orient Express, The Silk Road and South Pole along with 6 others.
That these chaps are so productive is a testament to both their work ethic and their open minds and interests, both are intelligent men who use their intelligence in crafting some fine symphonic progressive music together for us all to enjoy.
Quite frankly their output is astounding especially as the quality never really dips
This album Released in June of this year will take you on an armchair voyage to various destinations involving Paris to Istanbul on The Orient Express, from Chiina to Istanbul or Cairo via Samarkand and through Persia, To the foothills if Mount Everest. Along the Pilgrims way in Carminn De Santiago in Spain, across the South Pole and across the oceans of the atlantic in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, To the depths of The Marina trench in the Pacific Ocean near Guam. Finally to an exploration of the Red Planet - Mars (jA journey mankind has yet to attempt) Although its on the cards for the Kate 2020's or early 2030's.
So with all that in mind its time to settle down and begin our musical adventure on this Progressive Voyage with the boys from Riffstone!
The albums begins with The Orient Express, this track is actually performed by Colin Powell as are the tracks South Pole, Red Horizon and The Maps Are Fading To White. All the other tracks are co written and performed in conjunction with Dave Allen.
The Orgent Express evokes the golden age of steam and also if indulgence and luxury through the heart of Europe before finally arriving into Istanbul,the gateway between East and West. The track begins withvsteam train noises before a sole piano begins as well as a liquid guitar line programmed drums add to the impression of gathering speed , WhatbI like here is how Colin uses the drums to convert a sense of movement and the gentle piano accompaniment that runs throught the track, zan excellent Opening statement of intent for this album.
Next we have The Silk Road The Legendary trade route that moved goods from China to Europe and Egypt. One that spread knowledge from the East to the West and vice versa as boith sides learnt from each other about new technologies and new learnings to benefit mankind.the sound is certainly Eastern influences tone and us highly effective in contouring up the essence ofvthatbpart of the world.i find the ltrics interesting here too as they cover the long span of time that the silk road was in operation.
Next track is Himalayas This is an instrumental track with suitably evocagive music soundscapes a lot performed on synthesisers and bass guitar and programmed drums which all add to the f8ne sounds as they seek to show the wide spaces and high uplands if that area. This track biulds as if it is ascending.
Its a great instrumental track that conveys space and a different world view really well I like this fine track a lot. With its great orchestration and stately sound. I also like how the guitars come into play towards the end driving the rhythm along, a most satisfying track in every way. A wonderful sound and track.
Camino de Santiago is next and us about the 1000 mile trail that stetches across southern France and irther Spian from saint Jean Pied De Port to Santiago De Compostela where it ends a distance of a mere 760 Kilometres although you can extend it to include thev3xtra leg from Sarria to Santiago which takes it to a 1000 kilometre walk (621.3 miles). It is a pilgrimage made to show commitment to your faith, its not an easy walk usually taking betweenb25 to 42 days to complete.