The best of Bo Hansson's albums, and one of the few progressive rock
instrumental recordings that still holds up on repeated listening. J.R.R.
Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy provide the inspiration for a series
of strange, other-worldly tracks that transcend their source material.
Hansson's keyboard playing is quite unlike the work of such rivals as
Keith Emerson or Rick Wakeman, less heavy and "gothic" and more
oriented toward jazz. His guitar work as is flashy and aggressive as his
keyboards ("The Black Riders/Flight to the Ford" is a great
showcase for both), and the backing by sax, flute, and drums creates an
overall rich sonic palette.
(by Bruce Eder, All
Music Guide)
|