(Imago)
Martin Barre is perhaps best known for his guitar work with Jethro Tull. Many of his guitar riffs and musical ideas surround the rock classics which made Jethro Tull famous. Martin's work has made classics of Tull favorites, such as "Aqualung". But in his latest album, Martin Barre has taken electric guitar into new areas of rock.
The Meeting is his latest solo work, in which Martin acts as composer, lyricist, and artist. Martin's stylish electric and acoustic guitar work, combined with some flowing instrumentation, creates a rock sound that is unique. The sound is somewhat reminiscent of bands like Asia, Kansas, and Rush, with some Jethro Tull sounds thrown in.
Assisting Martin in this recording are an assortment of talented folks. Gerry Conway, Doane Perry and Dave Mattacks perform on the drums on various tracks. Bass is provided by Jon Noyce. With Mel Collins on sax, Andrew Murray on keyboards and Miles Bould on various percussion thrown into the mix, this creates a full and flowing instrumental mix. On vocals, you have Maggie Reeday and Joy Russel (on the last track).
All in all a talented group of performers, with Martin leading them all on a sometimes overpowering electric and acoustic guitar - with, of course, some flute thrown in on occasion. While the sound quality and instrumentation is good, this is an album that did not immediately grab this reviewer's attention. It *is* an album that grows on you, however. With repeated listenings, this reviewer has seen more and more in each of the tracks.
The Meeting opens with the title track, "The Meeting". A strong guitar line combined with some nice keyboard and guitar gives a classic rock feel. The vocals are clear and crisp. "The Potion" is a song with interesting guitar riffs, coupled with some keyboard and vocal effects. This particular track is faintly reminiscent of Kansas or Styx.
On to an instrumental, "Outer Circle" is a track with some great guitar work, built on a strong bass and drum theme. Nice development of the work throughout the track, with sax and keyboards introduced as the piece builds. The studio post production provides great depth in the guitar lines and in adding some spatial effects that enhance the sound. "Misere" is another instrumental - but this one is a rather good combination of acoustic guitar, electric guitar, combined with some nice percussion work. The way the electric and acoustic interweave through the track is a joy. Some rather good and subtle keyboard work as well.
Another instrumental. "Spanner" has a great instrumental combination, with a rather jazzy feel. Warm melodies, with some interplay between sax, keys, and drums. All of which is lead by a crisp and perfectly executed electric guitar line. It is easy to see why Martin Barre has such a renowned history with the instrument in so many bands. "Tom's" is a rather quick moving instrumental. Basically some really good travel music - great in a car.
"I Know Your Face" adds Martin's flute playing to the mix. A welcome addition. Again the sound will remind the listener of classic rock styles. "Time After Time" is a track with some intriguing percussion and rhythm. The interaction between the instruments gives this track a rather powerful feeling. The vocals seem a bit overpowering, almost an afterthought tacked on.
"Running Free" blends a combination of guitars and sounds. The effects of the varying instruments builds the track quite well. Each of the short vocal verses is accompanied by a somewhat different musical sound. The end result is an interesting musical variety, with a kind of rolling flow.
"Dreamer" is the personal best of the lyric works on the album. With a combination of strong acoustic guitar work, accented with a rather mellow vocal combination and percussion.
The final work of the album is "The Audition". An excellent musical closure to the album. Slightly too cutesy vocals from a pair of guest vocalists, though.
The Meeting is a highly interesting album, strongly reminiscent of classic rock with a rather highly polished flair, which grows on you. It requires additional listening for full effect. In addition, the vocals and lyrics seemed a bit underwhelming at times. This reviewer preferred the instrumental tracks the most, and feels the vocals are the weakest part of the album. As a whole, however, The Meeting is an excellent work. Martin Barre and company should be commended.
