Multi-instrumentalist John Holden continues on his yearly campaign of delivering one quality masterpiece after another, “Thresholds” coming on the heels of last year’s “The Great Divide”. For this seventh album, he has taken over the entire instrumental spectrum, inviting in four of the finest vocalist currently in the UK prog scene, three of whom already having a history with John: the incredibly prolific Peter Jones (Tiger Moth Tales, Camel and a zillion other sessions), Sally Minnear (Dave Bainbridge, Dave Brons, Zopp, Peter Gee, Pendragon), Joe Payne (Methexis, The Enid, Haven of Echoes) and new recruit and making her Holden debut Sertari from the latest version of Karnataka. The concept or inspiration “is about crossings, awakenings conflicts , inheritances and quiet sparks that form all of us “.
The ornate piano sets the setlist in motion with “Seven Ages”, synched with a panoramic orchestration that exudes both growing grandeur and maturing freshness, the crisp electric guitars, thunderous bass and drum programming joining in the birthing parade. Peter Jones enters as the heady years of early youth , dependant on parenthood that parallel the eventual passage into adulthood. This piece reminds me of a story I had read once a very long time ago that explains the stages of life, words from an astute Chinese elder: Everyone goes through more or less the same seven stages. From 0 to 18, under the aegis of sensible and loving parents a child learns about life. Then from 18 to 28, we make every possible mistake, mostly out of lack of experience and wisdom (getting married/ not getting married, abandoning school, rebellion and making bad decisions). Then from 28 to 38, reflecting on all that went wrong and its consequences. 38 to 48, finding solutions and planning to right the wrongs. 48 to 58 succeeding (or not) in finding a healthier and calmer life balance . 58 to 68 are , hopefully the golden years. 68 to 78 (or longer) time has less meaning than ever before and you find peace in the knowledge you have lived a decent life. Splendid , as expected.
A seductive recalling of how we all really remain who we are, the foundations just as valid in the construction of life. Sertari has a technically undulating voice that fits the subject material, as John’s bass takes the high road, meandering through the same channels navigated by the vocalist. ‘Plus ca change , plus c’est la meme chose’. It’s a bluesy prog rocker that hustles and bustles along like a fireworks display in the night. A touch of honky-tonk piano and guitars gives this a decidedly Americana feel that presages the next epic track.
“Mohawk River “ refers to the Haudenosaunee communities who helped build the sprawling skyscrapers and steel bridges of New York and elsewhere, as they possess a sense of balance at vertiginous heights that failed the Caucasian immigrants. Joe Payne and his leather lunged delivery is a highlight (excuse the overt pun), the soaring notes dizzying as it relates to the collision between the traditional and the new industrial world that had to encounter. The vertigo-inducing synthesizers and the spiraling metallic guitar constructs are neatly incorporated in an expansive sonic canvas, where every sound feels organic and even tribal, even though iron and concrete imagery rule. The symphonic upturn cranes the necks as eyes gaze up into the wide blue yonder. This piece could have been covered by US band Quivira, whose members are indigenous musicians. 13 minutes of celestial gratitude for the efforts of those who do not get the rightful recognition. They do now.
John Holden takes on a 007 score, “Zero Minus” pays homage to the Bond flicks, whose music, let us be honest, was spectacular on more than one occasion! Spectral sonics, harrowing Largo slashes, monster blasts, and more peaks and valleys that Switzerland has to offer. The bending electric guitar parts are ultraclever and fantasy-laden. Sertari does her Shirley Bassey cameo to perfection, diamonds are indeed forever.
Peter Jones reclaims the microphone on the heavily tectonic “Surrender”, trying to find meaning of the human condition has puzzled humanity since that unfortunate garden in Eden. One of the most common denominators among historians, is that nothing has really changed fundamentally since the dawn of time except for technology. Argument, strife, conflict, crime, war and genocide are just various levels of human stupidity. Nothing new, it did start with one’s birth. Musically, the windswept sandstorm reminds us that there are certain places that will never change, whilst others have overcome the most bitter of challenges. Hope remains eternal. Think of the positives and stop complaining.
A gorgeously edified tear-jerker “A Silent Spark” has Sertari emoting on a level that will give one goosebumps, as it segues perfectly from the preceding piece. A reminder that Shalom and Salaam mean exactly the same thing. Peace, kindness, respect, compassion and love will always overcome the ills of the world. The melody proposed here is simply celestial, the voice crushingly poignant and the instrumental crescendo (and its guitar filigree) soaring into the purest bliss. Really loved this track…gulp!
Smooth like velvety silk , “If I Knew” is another masterful performance from both Jones and Holden, within a mature, almost Steely Dan-feel that pushes the thresholds of vocal control (man, what a singer Peter is!), the bristling sax interfering with the jumpy keyboards, the sizzling guitar foraging like a hungry heart, yearning for the truth or at the very least a sense of understanding what the hell these Seven Ages are really all about. Finishing off with a recap of the introductive theme caps the deal. WOW!
Feeling so comfortable with John’s musical style seven albums in, my attention really veered into the spirit of this album, instead of the chopzilla effects, looking for the meaning behind his compositions. Its not very often I get to wax poetically about feelings instead of frets and ivories. I guess that means that the underlying impact was way deeper than just progressive music after all.
5 tolerances