| The
Review |
Geoff Downes is of course best known
for his work as keyboardist and guiding light of the melodic
rock combo Asia, as well as serving a tour of duty with art
rock pioneers Yes on one of their finest moments, 1980's 'DRAMA'.
He's also done a number of solo projects under the moniker
of The NEW DANCE ORCHESTRA, all of which have been somewhat
different from each other. His first, THE LIGHT PROGRAM(1987)
was an electronic symphony similar to some of Tangerine Dream's
more upbeat material from the same time period(Poland, Optical
Race). That album set the standard for the NDO releases that
followed, though never truely matched. The next, VOX HUMANA(1992),
concentrated on vocal material by utilizing different singers,
while 1996's EVOLUTION was pretty much an electronic easy
listening album of covers, pleasant but standard fare. THE
WORK TAPES(1998) were demos with soulful rock belter Glen
Hughes which never were further developed, while THE WORLD
SERVICE(2000) continued in an instrumental direction again
like The LIGHT PROGRAM, only this time done up in short snippets(over
20 tracks). Which brings us to SHADOWS & REFLECTIONS(2003).
This time, Geoff has provided an
ambient disc of dreamy instrumentals which drift in an improvised
stream of conscienceness. The spirit of 'The Light Program',
probably most fans' favorite of Downes solo efforts, is evident
here on 'SHADOWS...', more so than on 'WORLD SERVICE', though
this time, rather than short snippets, there are only two
lengthy instrumentals which float and drift throughout. Being
mostly improvised, the material meanders quite a bit, but
the resulting sound is more organic and unfolding. So, this
isn't cold and sterile electronic space-out music- there is
actually a warm and quite 'human' element to it, as if Geoff
just let the recording roll and let himself drift away with
the music as easily as the listener will. With the 'human
element' intact, there is bound to be mistakes, such as a
space between two sections, and an unnecessary 'cowbell' for
a couple beats. Yet they don't detract from the overall performance
or continuity. To be able to pull off a semi-improvised performance
in such a manner is rare, and attributed to Geoff's overall
professionalism. A similar release would have been Patrick
Moraz' FUTURE MEMORIES, sadly out of print. Both tracks almost
reach a half hour each and go through many moods and atmospheres,
truely panoramic music.
This is fine electronic music from
someone not afraid to play synthesizers and push the envelope
with their potential. Great music to relax and drift away
to, and great music to take with you on a drive at three in
the morning. If you have LIGHT PROGRAM, then this should be
your next Downes solo disc.
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